Synergy-2 Multimode Microplate Reader by BioTek (now part of Agilent)
Manufacturer's Operators Manual PDF
The Synergy-2 Multimode Microplate Reader by BioTek is an advanced laboratory instrument designed for optical measurements of samples in microplates, commonly used in biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and life sciences. This versatile device supports multiple reading modes, including absorbance for measuring light absorption at specific wavelengths, fluorescence for detecting emitted light after excitation, and luminescence for quantifying light emitted from chemical or biological processes. Compatible with various plate formats, such as 96-well and 384-well plates, it is ideal for applications like protein analysis, enzyme assays, cell studies, and molecular interaction research. Equipped with a high-precision optical system, the Synergy-2 offers exceptional accuracy and sensitivity, enabling the detection of subtle sample changes. Its accompanying software facilitates experimental design, data processing, and statistical analysis. This powerful tool is commonly used for ELISA assays, enzyme kinetics studies, gene expression measurements, cell toxicity evaluations, and drug discovery, making it indispensable for accelerating research in the life sciences.
The BioTek Synergy 2 offers three modes of operation for 6- to 384-well plates:
- Absorbance
- Luminescence
- Fluorescence
Absorbance can be measured in the UV and Visible ranges, up to 4.0 OD, with a resolution of 0.001 OD (absorbance units). Any wavelength between 200 and 999 nm can be selected with 1 nm increments. A Xenon flash is used as light source and a monochromator serves for wavelength selection. Three basic modes of absorbance measurement can be selected: 1. Concentration measurements using calibration curves, 2. Kinetic measurements carried out by recording absorbance changes versus time and 3. Absorbance Spectra that are obtained by measuring absorbance as function of wavelength. The microplate reader is set up for temperature control and for shaking. A reading of a 96-well plate can be performed in as little as 11 seconds.
Luminescence between 300 and 700nm can be monitored as a function of time. The system can detect as little as 0.01 femtomole of ATP, and up to six orders of magnitude higher concentrations.
The instrument is equipped with two Reagent Dispensers. The dispensers can be programmed to deliver two different reagents during the reaction time course. A syringe (#1) draws the reagent solution from the vial (#2), and then drives it through the switching valve (#3) towards the wellplate (#4).
The Two reagent dispensers
The fluorescence system has a tungsten-halogen lamp as light source, and uses filters and dichroic mirrors to select wavelengths for excitation and emission. Synergy-2 can detect 1pM of fluorescein, i.e. 0.2 femtomole / well in a 96-well plate. The dynamic range is > 6 decades. The excitation and emission pathways are each equipped with a four-position filter wheel - the filters are replaceable (see the scheme at the bottom of this page).
Table I shows our current collection of filters. If you plan to use the Synergy-2 for fluorescence measurements, you should first determine what wavelengths you want to use for the excitation and the emission, and then select the appropriate filters from table I. Call staff in advance to set up the instrument for your experiment.
Table I - Optical Filters available for Fluorescence Measurements
Synergy 2 - Optical Scheme of Fluorescence Measurements
[click image to enlarge]