Berthold TriStar² Microplate Reader

Berthold Technologies has presented the second generation of its multi-label TriStar² microplate reader. TriStar² employs the optical concept ALL-4-ONE, enabling luminescence, fluorescence and absorbance measurements with, what is claimed to be, the highest respective sensitivity from dedicated instruments. The product is also capable of reading FRET, BRET and BRET².

In comparison to its predecessor, the optics have been further improved and an improvement in detection limits in fluorescence has also been achieved: less than 6 amol ATP per well; and less than 0.3 fmol Fluorescein per well. The instrument is characterised by a universal detector with extremely low noise for fluorescence and luminescence measurements and is equipped with a photo diode for absorbance readings. Optical filters can be used for luminescence measurements, enabling BRET (eg, functional assays for GPCR research) and multicoloured luciferase reporter gene applications.

The device can be fitted with up to three reagent injectors and temperature control for the microplate compartment. Two of the injectors have their tips in reading position, enabling the measurement of fast reactions. The reagent compartment, placed at the front of the instrument, means reagents are easily accessible and can be kept cooled by the addition of crushed ice, when needed. For increased sample throughput, the product can be integrated into lab automation systems. Special reagent mounts provide a safe fixation of small reagent vials and ensure complete consumption of the reagents through inclination of the vial.

The unit is operated by the intuitive ICE software. Single and multiple endpoint readings are possible as well as kinetic and scanning measurements. Data is displayed in numerical and graphical formats and may be printed or exported into Excel. The reader is suitable for measurements of enzyme activities, phagocytosis, Calcium flux, cell viability, apoptosis, immunoassays, protein and DNA concentrations, protein-protein interactions and more.