Advanced Detection Modes    

Fluorescence polarization, Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence and BRET are powerful detection methods that benefit from the Simultaneous Dual Emission technology of the PHERAstar Plus. The sensitivity in fluorescence polarization mode allows you to work in the sub-nM concentration range. The PHERAstar Plus is also optimized to perform AlphaScreen® measurements with high sensitivity due to the incorporation of a specific AlphaScreen® laser.          New Optical Design    

The outstanding sensitivity of the PHERAstar Plus is based on a new, innovative lens-based optical design which incorporates Simultaneous Dual Emission detection     technology for all measurement principles. The optical system of the PHERAstar Plus directs the energy of the excitation light to a small focal point in the center of the     well, giving excellent sensitivity in all plate formats up to 1536. In order to reach the highest performance in all detection modes, the reader contains a high energy     xenon flashlamp for excitation and two matched pairs of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) for light detection. The first pair of PMTs is used for simultaneous luminescence and     fluorescence detection, the second pair of PMTs is used for simultaneous time-resolved fluorescence detection.    

Focal Height Adjustment    

The PHERAstar Plus incorporates an automated focal height adjustment at a resolution of 0.1 mm. This feature eliminates the infl uence of microplate formats, sample volumes, surface tension and evaporation. Once determined, this optimized focal height setting is stored in the test protocol for future screenings. The automated height adjustment of the focal point ensures the best signal-to-noise ratio for every plate, every application and every volume.          Optic Modules    

The assay specific Optic Modules are the key of the new optical design. They contain all the necessary optical components including excitation and emission filters, dichroic mirrors, beam splitters and polarization filters. Up to five Optic Modules can be accommodated in the PHERAstar Plus and the user can easily add or replace them as needed. All Optic Modules are bar-coded, and the PHERAstar Plus automatically selects the proper module for your assay.    

Decay Curve Monitoring    

The PHERAstar Plus offers the unique Decay Curve Monitoring feature in AlphaScreen® and TRF modes. This feature enables users to graphically visualize the timeresolved emission curve and to optimize test parameters of their assays.    

Simultaneous Dual Emission Detection    

BMG LABTECH pioneered the technique of Simultaneous Dual Emission detection in multifunctional microplate readers. Because numerous assays require detection from two probes, Simultaneous Dual Emission offers a significant advantage by cutting read times in half and correcting for flash-to-flash variations. Measuring simultaneously corrects for assay effects such as photobleaching, decaying kinetic signals, ongoing biological processes, or fluctuating conditions like temperature, pH and evaporation. Simultaneous Dual Emission detection can be used in any assay that measures two wavelengths or polarization vectors. This includes FP, FRET, and HTRF®.    

Sensitivity and Speed    

The PHERAstar Plus combines fast read times necessary for High-Throughput Screening with the sensitivity to read small volumes. By choosing the number of flashes, the user can always fi nd the best combination between sensitivity and speed. The PHERAstar Plus read times are among the fastest in the microplate reader industry. In flying mode, the PHERAstar Plus can read a 1536-well plate in 37 seconds. The unsurpassed sensitivity of the PHERAstar Plus detection system provides outstanding S/N and Z´ values, even at low concentrations and small assay volumes.    

Stacker and Robot Compatibility    

BMG LABTECH’s standardized reader footprint and robotic software interface make it easy to integrate the PHERAstar Plus into all leading robotic systems. For medium level throughput, BMG LABTECH offers the 50 plate Stacker that can be used with the PHERAstar Plus. The Stacker is an ideal solution for midthroughput labs that wish to have the small footprint of an automated plate feeder along with the simplicity and reliability the Stacker offers.    

Control and MARS Data Analysis Software    

The PHERAstar Plus software package provides an extensive range of possibilities for both test protocol definitions and data analysis. It is fully compliant with FDA regulation 21 CFR Part 11. The control software allows users to define instrument parameters and test protocols. For assay development, kinetic measurements can be interrupted at any time in order to change reaction conditions. Well organized, versatile, easy-to-use and powerful are just a few of the ways to describe the new MARS data analysis software package. It allows the user to display and process the data using predefined templates or to utilize an extensive range of data calculation features.    

Applications    

• Protein-protein interactions    
• Genotyping    
• Molecular binding assays    
• Receptor ligand binding    
• DNA quantification    
• Enzyme activity and kinetic assays    
• Cell based assays    
• Reporter gene assays    
• Protein quantification    
• G-coupled protein receptors (gpcr)    
• And many more assays