CLARIOstar Plus

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SelectScience seal of quality gold

The CLARIOstar Plus is a multi-mode microplate reader with advanced LVF Monochromators™, highly sensitive filters, and an ultra-fast UV/vis spectrometer. The Enhanced Dynamic Range and automatic focus technologies make manual settings superfluous and detection optimisation easier than ever.

Atmospheric Control Unit, temperature incubation, multiple shaking, well scan and reagent injectors make the CLARIOstar Plus the ideal platform for any live cell-based assay.

The CLARIOstar Plus comes now with Voyager , BMG LABTECH´s new microplate reader control interface. Designed to remove complexity while maximising flexibility, Voyager makes data acquisition more intuitive than ever.

Features

Innovative monochromators for increased sensitivity
Fully-flexible wavelengths and bandwidths
Spectral scanning in absorbance, fluorescence intensity, and luminescence
Largest dynamic range with no manual intervention
Rapid full-plate autofocus
Dedicated features for live cell-based assays
Ultra-fast data sampling (100 measurements/second)
Dedicated laser for Alpha Technology
Easily integrated into automated systems

CLARIOstar Plus

Our technologies

Crosstalk

Signal cross-talk negatively affects data quality in luminescence and AlphaScreen. It leads to an overestimation of dim samples, increases blank variability and background noise, and the possibility of false positives. The multiple factors to consider when trying to reduce cross-talk, as well as BMG LABTECH´s dedicated solutions are discussed here.

Alpha Technology Laser

Excitation lasers significantly improve performance and lower limits of detection, since they yield higher excitation energy at a specific wavelength when compared to xenon lamps. Both the CLARIOstar and the PHERAstar FSX can be equipped with a laser dedicated to Alpha Technology (AlphaScreen®, AlphaLISA® and AlphaPlexTM) detection. This dedicated laser outperforms any xenon-based light source by specifically exciting donors at 680 nm.

Automation

Automation is a key feature in high-throughput screening. BMG LABTECH microplate readers have been successfully integrated into various robotic systems. Small footprint, multiple robotic software interfaces and an automation-friendly plate carrier guarantee an easy integration into all leading robotic platforms. All plate readers can be controlled through ActiveX or DDE interfaces. Moreover, the ASCII data output is the most versatile in the industry and works with most LIMS and automation platforms.

Direct optic bottom reading

Fluorescent and luminescent detection of adherent cells substantially profits from measurements performed from the bottom of the well. The PHERAstar FSX, CLARIOstar Plus and VANTAstar have a free air optical path to the bottom of the microplate, improving sensitivity and eliminating the need for fiber optics or light guides. Unlike conventional microplate readers, all BMG LABTECH readers require no displacement or installation of any additional hardware when switching between top and bottom reading modes.

Dichroic Mirror

Dichroic mirrors have significantly different reflection and transmission properties at two different wavelengths. Specifically for optic detection, they reflect or block excitation light at lower wavelengths, and transmit emission light at longer wavelengths to the detector. Used between excitation and emission filters, they increase sensitivity and decrease background noise.

Enhanced Dynamic Range

Sample signals often span over a wide range of intensities. This makes detection of all samples in a single run problematic as a fixed gain ensures that only a limited range of intensities is reliably detected. Enhanced Dynamic Range was specifically designed to offer the largest possible dynamic range - 8 concentration decades. It allows measurement of bright and dim signals in the same run – no gain setting required – and provides highly reliable results over a large dynamic range with no manual intervention.

Gas Vent

BMG LABTECH offers two forms of gas control on its microplate readers. The Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU) for the CLARIOstar is a unique microprocessor-controlled unit that independently regulates both CO2 and O2 inside the microplate reader. Alternatively, the Gas Vent is a positive pressure gas purge through which the internal atmosphere of the microplate reader can be replaced.

Incubation and shaking

Shaking and incubation allow users to mix the well content and easily run measurements at elevated temperatures. The incubator controls the air temperature in the measurement chamber from room temperature up to 45°C, 60°C or 65°C. BMG LABTECH microplate readers are equipped with orbital, double-orbital or linear shaking with definable intensity, duration and direction of motion. These features are available on all BMG LABTECH plate readers.

LVF Monochromators

The revolutionary next-generation monochromator technology with filter-like performance. LVF Monochromators™ take advantage of Linear Variable Filters (LVF) to separate light into distinct wavelengths and continuously adjustable bandwidths. LVF Monochromators allow for filter-like light transmission and performance, and eliminate the stray light issues found in conventional monochromators. LVF Monochromators can be found on the CLARIOstar Plus and VANTAstar microplate readers.

Reagent injectors

Many of today's most popular assays such as enzyme kinetics, calcium flux, and dual luciferase require the ability to monitor a signal during and after the addition of a reagent. All BMG LABTECH readers, with the exception of the SPECTROstar Nano, can be equipped with up to two reagent injectors. Injectors enable reagent delivery to any plate format from 6 to 384 wells.

UV/vis spectrometer

BMG LABTECH was the first and is the only microplate reader manufacturer to equip its instruments with a UV/vis spectrometer for absorbance measurements. Similar to a monochromator, but much faster, the spectrometer will capture full-absorbance spectra from 220 to 1000 nm at a resolution of 1 nm in less than one second/well. Alternatively, up to eight discrete wavelengths can be collected at the same time.

Z-height focus

Automatic Z-height adjustment is extremely important for obtaining the best possible signal from every sample. If the focus is inaccurate by as little as 0.2 mm, this can result in a signal degradation of up to 25%. BMG LABTECH's Z-height focus adjustment tool scans the whole sample with 0.1 mm resolution and determines the height at which the strongest signal can be measured.

Crosstalk

Alpha Technology Laser

Automation

Direct optic bottom reading

Dichroic Mirror

Enhanced Dynamic Range

Gas Vent

Incubation and shaking

LVF Monochromators

Reagent injectors

UV/vis spectrometer

Z-height focus

Crosstalk

CLARIOstar Plus

Detection Modes

Fluorescence intensity (incl. FRET)
Fluorescence polarization
AlphaScreen^®/AlphaLISA^®/AlphaPlex™Luminescence (flash and glow) - incl. BRET
Time-resolved fluorescence
TR-FRET
UV/vis absorbance spectra

Measurement Modes

Top and bottom reading
Endpoint and kinetic
Sequential multi-excitation
Sequential multi-emission
Spectral scanning (fluorescence, luminescence, absorbance)
Ratiometric measurements
Well scanning

Microplate Formats

6- to 1536-well plates, user-definable
LVis Plate with 16 low volume microspots (2 μL)

Microplate Carrier

Robot compatible

Light Sources

High energy xenon flash lamp
Dedicated laser for AlphaScreen^®/AlphaLISA^®/AlphaPlex™

Detectors

Low-noise photomultiplier tube
Red-shifted photomultiplier tube
CCD spectrometer

Wavelength Selection

Dual Linear Variable Filter (LVF) Monochromators™
Linear Variable Dichroic Mirror
Separates ex & em LVF Monochromators

Optical filters:
Ex and em slides hold 4 filters each
LVF Monochromators + optical filters
Use one for ex and the other for em
UV/Vis absorbance spectrometer:
Full spectra or 8 distinct wavelengths in < 1 sec/well

Spectral Range

Filters
FI, FP, TRF: 240 - 740 nm or 240 - 900 nm (red-shifted PMT)
LUM: 240 - 740 nm

LVF Monochromators™
FI: 320 - 740 nm or 320 - 840 nm (red-shifted PMT)
LUM: 320 - 740 nm

Linear Variable Dichroic
340 - 740 nm or 340 - 760 nm (red-shifted PMT)

Spectrometer
ABS: 220 - 1000 nm; wavelength precision: ≤ 0.5 nm

Sensitivity

FI filters
(top)
< 0.15 pM (< 3 amol/well FITC, 384sv, 20 μL).

FI filters
(bottom)
< 1.0 pM (< 50 amol/well FITC, 384g, 50 μL).

FI monochromator
(top)
< 0.35 pM (< 7 amol/well FITC, 384sv, 20 μL).

FI monochromator
(bottom)
< 3.0 pM (< 150 amol/well FITC, 384g, 50 μL).
Dynamic Range: 8 decades in a single measurement.

FP
< 0.5 mP SD at 1 nM FITC (384sv, 20 μL).

HTRF^®
(black and white microplates)
Reader Control Kit (Eu) after 18h (384sv, 20 μL).
Delta F > 880% (High Calibrator).
Delta F > 30% (Low Calibrator).

TRF
< 20 fM europium, 384, 80 μL (<1.6 amol/well).

LUM
< 0.4 pM (< 8 amol/well ATP, 384sv, 20 μL).
Dynamic range: 8 decades in a single measurement.

AlphaScreen^®with laser.
< 5 pM (< 100 amol/well P-Tyr-100, 384sv, 20 μL).

ABS with spectrometer.
Selectable spectral resolution: 1, 2, 5, and 10 nm.
OD range: 0 to 4 OD; photometric resolution: 0.001 OD.
Accuracy: < 1% at 2 OD.
Precision: < 0.5% at 1 OD and < 0.8% at 2 OD.
Linearity: ≤ 0.8% at 2.0 OD.

Read Times

Flying mode (1 flash)
8 s (96), 15 s (384), 28 s (1536)

10 flashes
19 s (96), 57 s (384), 3 min 4 s (1536)

Shaking

Linear, orbital, and double-orbital with user-definable time and speed

Incubation

+3 °C above ambient up to 45 °C or 65 °C

The upper heating plate of the incubation chamber operates at 0.5 °C more than the lower plate. This prevents condensation build-up on the lid or sealer

Software

Multi-user reader control (SMART Control and Voyager) and data analysis software (MARS). Voyager is compatible with CLARIOstar Plus readers from serial number 430-4001.

FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance available with SMART Control and MARS.

Integrated fluorophore library.

Dimensions

Width: 45 cm, depth: 51 cm, height: 40 cm; weight: 32 kg

Optical Filters

Excitation and emission slides for 4 filters each

Optical Path Guides

Top and bottom: free-air optical light path guided by motor-driven mirrors and dichroics

Z-Adjustment

Automatic focal height adjustment (0.1 mm resolution)

Reagent Injection

Up to 2 built-in reagent injectors
Individual injection volumes for each well: 3 to 500 µL (optionally up to 2 mL)
Variable injection speed up to 420 µL/s
Reagent back flushing

Integrated Barcode Reader

Up to two integrated barcode readers

Power Requirements

100 or 115 or 230 V, 50/60 Hz, auto ranging

Power Consumption

Normal operating conditions: 50 W
Idle State: 20W
Switched off: 0W
max. 300 VA

Optional Accessories

LVis Plate

Sample capacity: sixteen separate microdrop wells for 2 µL samples; one standard cuvette position for up to 1 mL samples

Quality Control Internal Standards (optional): four NIST traceable optical density filters (approximate values of 0.1, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.0 OD); one holmium oxide filter for wavelength accuracy

Dimensions: conforms to SBS standards for microplates

THERMOstar

Microplate incubator and shaker

Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU)

Actively regulates O₂ and CO₂ - 0.1-20%

Stacker

Magazines for up to 50 plates - continuous loading feature. Only compatible with SMART Control.

Optical Filters

Excitation and emission filters

Upgrades

The CLARIOstar Plus can include all or any combination of features listed below at purchase. Upgrading with additional features is possible at any time

Please contact your local representative for more details or a quote

LOD = 3 x SD (20 blanks) / slope (6 pt std curve)
AlphaScreen^® P-Tyr-100 assay kit, PerkinElmer, #6760620C
Microplates: white for LUM, AlphaScreen^®, TRF; black for FI, FP; clear for ABS
96 = 96-well microplates
384sv = 384-well small volume microplates
384g = 384-well glass bottom microplates
1536 = 1536-well microplates

Compare two readers

SPECTROstar Nano

Absorbance plate reader with cuvette port

LUMIstar Omega

Dedicated microplate luminometer

SPECTROstar Omega

Absorbance plate reader with ultrafast UV/vis spectrometer

NEPHELOstar Plus

Microplate nephelometer for light-scattering and turbidity measurements

PHERAstar FSX

Powerful and most sensitive HTS plate reader

CLARIOstar Plus

Most flexible Plate Reader for Assay Development

FLUOstar Omega

Filter-based multi-mode microplate reader

VANTAstar

Flexible microplate reader with simplified workflows

CLARIOstar Plus

Detection Modes

Measurement Modes

Top and bottom reading
Endpoint and kinetic
Sequential multi-excitation
Sequential multi-emission
Spectral scanning (fluorescence, luminescence, absorbance)
Ratiometric measurements
Well scanning

Microplate Formats

6- to 1536-well plates, user-definable
LVis Plate with 16 low volume microspots (2 μL)

Microplate Carrier

Robot compatible

Light Sources

High energy xenon flash lamp
Dedicated laser for AlphaScreen^®/AlphaLISA^®/AlphaPlex™

Detectors

Low-noise photomultiplier tube
Red-shifted photomultiplier tube
CCD spectrometer

Wavelength Selection

Dual Linear Variable Filter (LVF) Monochromators™
Linear Variable Dichroic Mirror
Separates ex & em LVF Monochromators

Spectral Range

Filters
FI, FP, TRF: 240 - 740 nm or 240 - 900 nm (red-shifted PMT)
LUM: 240 - 740 nm

LVF Monochromators™
FI: 320 - 740 nm or 320 - 840 nm (red-shifted PMT)
LUM: 320 - 740 nm

Linear Variable Dichroic
340 - 740 nm or 340 - 760 nm (red-shifted PMT)

Spectrometer
ABS: 220 - 1000 nm; wavelength precision: ≤ 0.5 nm

Sensitivity

FI filters
(top)
< 0.15 pM (< 3 amol/well FITC, 384sv, 20 μL).

FI filters
(bottom)
< 1.0 pM (< 50 amol/well FITC, 384g, 50 μL).

FI monochromator
(top)
< 0.35 pM (< 7 amol/well FITC, 384sv, 20 μL).

FI monochromator
(bottom)
< 3.0 pM (< 150 amol/well FITC, 384g, 50 μL).
Dynamic Range: 8 decades in a single measurement.

FP
< 0.5 mP SD at 1 nM FITC (384sv, 20 μL).

HTRF^®
(black and white microplates)
Reader Control Kit (Eu) after 18h (384sv, 20 μL).
Delta F > 880% (High Calibrator).
Delta F > 30% (Low Calibrator).

TRF
< 20 fM europium, 384, 80 μL (<1.6 amol/well).

LUM
< 0.4 pM (< 8 amol/well ATP, 384sv, 20 μL).
Dynamic range: 8 decades in a single measurement.

AlphaScreen^®with laser.
< 5 pM (< 100 amol/well P-Tyr-100, 384sv, 20 μL).

Read Times

Flying mode (1 flash)
8 s (96), 15 s (384), 28 s (1536)

10 flashes
19 s (96), 57 s (384), 3 min 4 s (1536)

Shaking

Linear, orbital, and double-orbital with user-definable time and speed

Incubation

+3 °C above ambient up to 45 °C or 65 °C

The upper heating plate of the incubation chamber operates at 0.5 °C more than the lower plate. This prevents condensation build-up on the lid or sealer

Software

Multi-user reader control (SMART Control and Voyager) and data analysis software (MARS). Voyager is compatible with CLARIOstar Plus readers from serial number 430-4001.

FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance available with SMART Control and MARS.

Integrated fluorophore library.

Dimensions

Width: 45 cm, depth: 51 cm, height: 40 cm; weight: 32 kg

Optical Filters

Excitation and emission slides for 4 filters each

Optical Path Guides

Top and bottom: free-air optical light path guided by motor-driven mirrors and dichroics

Z-Adjustment

Automatic focal height adjustment (0.1 mm resolution)

Reagent Injection

Up to 2 built-in reagent injectors
Individual injection volumes for each well: 3 to 500 µL (optionally up to 2 mL)
Variable injection speed up to 420 µL/s
Reagent back flushing

Integrated Barcode Reader

Up to two integrated barcode readers

Power Requirements

100 or 115 or 230 V, 50/60 Hz, auto ranging

Power Consumption

Normal operating conditions: 50 W
Idle State: 20W
Switched off: 0W
max. 300 VA

Optional Accessories

LVis Plate

Sample capacity: sixteen separate microdrop wells for 2 µL samples; one standard cuvette position for up to 1 mL samples

Quality Control Internal Standards (optional): four NIST traceable optical density filters (approximate values of 0.1, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.0 OD); one holmium oxide filter for wavelength accuracy

Dimensions: conforms to SBS standards for microplates

THERMOstar

Microplate incubator and shaker

Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU)

Actively regulates O₂ and CO₂ - 0.1-20%

Stacker

Magazines for up to 50 plates - continuous loading feature. Only compatible with SMART Control.

Optical Filters

Excitation and emission filters

Upgrades

The CLARIOstar Plus can include all or any combination of features listed below at purchase. Upgrading with additional features is possible at any time

Please contact your local representative for more details or a quote

CLARIOstar Plus

Most flexible Plate Reader for Assay Development

Detection modes

CLARIOstar Plus

Features

CLARIOstar Plus

Automation