FlexStation 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader A five-mode microplate reader with integrated fluid transfer Key Features • Five-mode reader with wide range of applications • Flexible liquid transfer enables more assay conditions • User-defined pipetting simplifies assay optimization • Instrument and software validation Adapting to biochemical- and cell-based application requirements while streamlining assay throughput is a challenge faced by many drug discovery and research laboratories. Multi-detection platforms often provide assay flexibility, however, throughput is often compromised—especially for applications that require integrated fluid transfer, such as calcium mobilization or other fast applications. To address this concern, Molecular Devices offers the FlexStation® 3 Multi-Mode Benchtop Reader. The FlexStation 3 Reader combines Molecular Devices’ SpectraMax® M5e Microplate Reader performance with an integrated 8- or 16-channel pipettor into one compact benchtop reader. This integrated system provides users with a multi-detection platform capable of increasing the liquid handling throughput and flexibility for biochemical- and cell-based kinetic assays. Flexible liquid transfer Using an 8- or 16-channel pipettor, the FlexStation 3 Reader offers added assay flexibility over dispenser-based systems by transferring reagents from 96 or 384 distinct wells in a source plate to a read plate, simultaneously. In addition, users can define individual reagents and concentrations to be delivered to each well. The direct transfer capability reduces reagent consumption and allows for more assay conditions to be explored in a single microplate, making the system more amenable to agonist and antagonist assay formats. Automated pipetting The FlexStation 3 Reader offers automated pipetting using the 8- or 16-channel pipettor to improve assay quality and increase throughput. For instance, liquid transfer for endpoint and slow kinetic assays can be automated to initiate a response at userdefined points of time. Automated pipetting ensures consistent addition time and minimizes pipetting errors, thus providing tighter assay CVs within and between experiments. For fast, kinetic cell-based assays, throughput is increased when a column of wells are pipetted, read, and analyzed simultaneously rather than one well at a time.

Optimize assays on one system Assay optimization With the FlexStation 3 Reader’s pipettors, users can adjust parameters to optimize the assay’s robustness. The dispense parameters can be optimized for each reagent addition to accommodate cells with different adherence characteristics, such as adjusting dispense velocity to prevent cell dislodging. The ability for the system to allow for multiple additions enables secondary controls to be added to each well. In addition, trituration (i.e., the mixing of well contents through repeated aspiration and dispensing using the pipettor) can improve the...

Five-mode microplate reading with superior optics From Excitation Monochromator Top Read Head Reference Diode Mirror Beamsplitter and Excitation Polarizer Emission Mirror Emission Polarizers Absorbance Detector Diode Emission Mirror Beamsplitter FL, TRF, FP Excitation FL, TRF, FP, Lum Emission Abs Beamsplitter Excitation Mirror From To Emission Excitation Monochromator Monochromator and PMT Reference Diode Bottom Read Head Superior optics The FlexStation 3 Reader’s optics are designed to easily adapt to changes in assay requirements while maintaining the optimal performance of a single-mode reader....

Flexibility for your assay needs Highly customizable low volume applications Superior optics in the FlexStation 3 Reader allow homogenous and heterogeneous biochemical- or cell-based microplate assays to be detected through a variety of readouts. When utilizing 8- or 16-channel pipettors, assays are expanded to include fast absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence applications. Alternatively, automated liquid transfer can be incorporated into numerous endpoint and kinetic applications in five detection modes. Applications include: Molecular Devices’ unique SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Microplate...

Technical specifications General Specifications Fluorescence Intensity Performance Reading capabilities Wavelength range Wavelength selection Monochromators, tunable in 1.0 nm increments Power consumption Power source Optimized sensitivity ≤ 1 pM fluorescein in 96 wells, ≤ 1.5 pM in 384 wells Guaranteed sensitivity*** < 5 pM fluorescein in 96 wells or cuvette, < 20 pM in 384 wells General Photometric Performance Plate formats Light source Xenon flash lamp (1 joule/flash) Reading capabilities Cuvette or top or bottom of a microplate Wavelength selection Shaker time Temp. control* Choice of simultaneous...

Ordering information FlexStation 3 Microplate Reader Part Number: FLEX3 • FlexStation 3 Base System Consumables 96-Well, FlexStation Pipet Tips (Black) Part Number: 9000-0911 • 200 µL capacity • Includes 3 vials each of FLIPR Calcium 6 and 6-QF dyes Reagents FLIPR® Calcium 6 Assay Evaluation Kit Part Number: R8194 • Each vial sufficient for 1 plate (96 or 384-well) Pipettor head kit, 8-channel (96) for FlexStation 3 Reader Part Number: 0200-6182 96-Well, FlexStation Pipet Tips (Clear) Part Number: 9000-0912 • 200 µL capacity • Includes 3 vials each of FLIPR Calcium 3, 4, and 5 dyes • 8-channel...