I'm developing a new lab module for my undergraduate Cell & Molecular Biology lab course. Want to use a 96-well plate reader for colormetric assays (Bradford for protein; p-nitrophenol for cellobiase; iodine for starch; etc).
Ideally, it would save data to a spreadsheet that we could easily save & share with students.
No need for any "truly fancy features" like 384-well plate ability, shaking, chilling, etc. Just ambient is fine.
Got any recommendations for a reliable machine? Looking for something in the $8k or less range.
Here are some very good 96-well plates that will definitely suit you :
BioTek Synergy H1
Price Range: Around $6,000 to $8,000, depending on features and vendor.
Ideal for colorimetric, fluorescence, and luminescence assays.
Offers absorbance readings across a range of wavelengths, ideal for your assays.
USB connectivity for easy data export to a spreadsheet (Excel, etc.).
Simple to use with a user-friendly interface.
Why it's a good fit: BioTek is known for reliable, affordable instruments, and the Synergy H1 is widely used in educational settings. It covers basic needs without overcomplicating things.
Thermo Scientific Multiskan GO
Price Range: Approximately $5,000 - $6,500.
96-well plate reader with adjustable wavelengths (up to 3) for absorbance assays.
Software easily exports data into Excel or other spreadsheet formats.
Compact, easy to operate, and highly reliable.
Why it's a good fit: It's a budget-friendly option from Thermo Fisher that’s known for solid performance. Great for undergraduate courses where you need reliability without all the bells and whistles.
Do you need a new instrument? If a used on is acceptable, you can find many used ones for MUCH less on a variety of used instrument websites, even Ebay. You can also look on auction sites for lab equipment. There are a lot of good machines out there for $2500 or less.
We got the Thermo multi-scan, it was even on sale as a "buy 2, get the 3rd free"
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