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Molecular Devices SpectraMax® iD3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader

Brief Description:Molecular Devices SpectraMax® iD3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader​ is a versatile benchtop instrument designed for routine and research applications in life sciences. It integrates three core detection modes—absorbance, fluorescence,

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Detailed Introduction

The Molecular Devices SpectraMax® iD3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader​ is a versatile benchtop instrument designed for routine and research applications in life sciences. It integrates three core detection modes—absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence—into a user-friendly platform featuring a large touchscreen for standalone operation and advanced optical components for reliable performance in drug discovery, cell biology, and bioassay development.

Core Technology & Detection Capabilities

The SpectraMax iD3 employs a sophisticated four-monochromator optical system​ with high-efficiency gratings for precise wavelength selection. This allows for full-spectrum absorbance measurements (230–1000 nm) and flexible fluorescence detection (excitation: ~250–830 nm, emission: ~270–850 nm) without the need for physical filters. The system is powered by a high-energy xenon flash lamp and a Peltier-cooled PMT detector​ (~ -5°C), which minimizes dark current and provides a wide dynamic range for sensitive luminescence assays. Key detection features include endpoint, kinetic, spectral scanning, and well-area scanning (up to 20x20 points per well) for heterogeneous samples.

Key Features & Workflow Efficiency

  • Touchscreen & NFC Personalization: The iD3 includes a large, high-resolution touchscreen interface that enables users to set up and run experiments without a connected PC. Built-in Near-Field Communication (NFC)​ technology allows researchers to personalize workflows; tapping an NFC card instantly loads custom protocols, user settings, and access controls, streamlining walk-up use in shared lab environments.

  • Environmental Control & Shaking: The reader offers precise temperature control from ambient +5°C up to 65°C (or 66°C, depending on configuration) with orbital and linear shaking options. This is critical for kinetic enzyme assays, cell viability studies, and ELISAs requiring controlled incubation.

  • Optional Injectors & Data Management: An optional dual-injector system (SmartInject™) can be added for kinetic luminescence assays (e.g., ATP detection, dual-luciferase), with low dead volume and overflow protection. Data can be managed via USB or automatically pushed to network workstations using QuickSync technology.

Technical Specifications

Parameter

Specification

Manufacturer​

Molecular Devices

Model​

SpectraMax® iD3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader

Detection Modes​

Absorbance (UV-Vis), Fluorescence Intensity (Top/Bottom Read), Luminescence (Top Read)

Wavelength Range​

Abs: 230–1000 nm; FI Ex: ~250–830 nm; FI Em: ~270–850 nm; Lum: ~300–850 nm

Optical System​

4-monochromator design (1 nm step resolution), xenon flash lamp, cooled PMT detector

Plate Formats​

6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 384-well (standard); compatible with 96/384-well low-volume plates

Read Speed​

~20–30 seconds per 96-well plate (depending on mode)

Sensitivity (Typical)​

FI: ~1 pM fluorescein (96-well); Lum: ~2–4 pM ATP (96-well)

Absorbance Accuracy​

< ±0.010 OD (±1%) at 450 nm (0–3 OD range)

Temperature Control​

Ambient +5°C to 65°C (66°C) with shaking (orbital, linear, double orbital)

Dimensions (WxDxH)​

Approx. 53.2 cm x 59.8 cm x 40.1 cm

Software​

SoftMax® Pro Software (preloaded protocols, GxP compliance options available)

Applications

The SpectraMax iD3 is widely used for DNA/RNA and protein quantification​ (e.g., Bradford, BCA, NanoOrange), ELISA and enzyme activity assays, cell viability and cytotoxicity​ (MTT, XTT, CellTiter-Glo), bacterial growth curves, and reporter gene assays. Its combination of monochromator-based flexibility, ease of use, and robust construction makes it a standard instrument in academic core facilities, pharmaceutical QC labs, and biotechnology companies.

Note: Specifications may vary based on configuration (e.g., with or without injectors, specific software licenses). Always verify the installed options against the instrument's configuration sheet.

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