BMG Labtech

VANTAstar

The Leading Monochromator-based

Multi-mode Microplate Reader

Video

Overview

Flexible multi-mode microplate reader with simplified workflows

The VANTAstar^® is a compact multi-mode microplate reader which is conceived for ease-of-use and flexibility and ensures effortless detection setup for a simplified data generation. Equipped with the patented dual LVF Monochromators™ system, highly sensitive filters, UV/Vis spectrometer and Enhanced Dynamic Range (EDR) technology, the VANTAstar^® can cover a wide range of applications in basic research and life science. The VANTAstar^® is a modular microplate reader and can be equipped with up to six detection modes; UV/Vis Absorbance, Fluorescence intensity (incl. FRET), Luminescence (incl. BRET), Fluorescence polarization, Time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) and Time-resolved FRET (TR-FRET).

Features & Benefits

Ultra fast spectral scanning in Absorbance (from 220 to 1000 nm in less than 1 second per well)
Well scanning with up to 900 data points per well for non-homogeneous samples (e.g. cell-based assays)
Increased sensitivity with LVF Monochromators™ over conventional monochromators
Ability to combine optical filters and LVF Monochromators™ in one measurement
Continuously adjustable bandwidths from 8 to 100 nm
Automated gain adjustment with Enhanced Dynamic Range (EDR) technology
Automated focus (focal height) adjustment for both top and bottom readings
High-precision injectors with heater and stirrer, and capable of simultaneous reagent injection and detection
Measurements in up to 384-well microplate format
Linear, circular and double-circular shaking with user-definable time and speed
Incubation up to 60°C with 0.1°C resolution
Multi-user SMART Control Software with integrated fluorophore library and unlimited license
Multi-user MARS Data Analysis Software with unlimited license
FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance in software
Data export to Excel, Absolute Database or ASCII format
Easy integration with LIMS systems
Easy integration with robotic systems for heavy workload and lab automation
Compatibility with Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU) for O2 and CO2 gas regulation inside reader chamber
Compatibility with Evaluation Plate for GLP compliance
Compatibility with LVis Plate for low-volume (down to 2µl) samples

Technical Specifications

Detection Modes	UV/Vis Absorbance Fluorescence Intensity - incl. FRET Luminescence (flash and glow) - incl. BRET Fluorescence Polarization Time-resolved Fluorescence (TRF) Time-resolved FRET (TR-FRET)
Measurement Modes	Top and bottom (optional) reading Endpoint and kinetic measurements Sequential multi-excitation measurements Sequential multi-emission measurements Spectral scanning (ABS, FI, LUM) Ratiometric measurements Well scanning
Microplate Formats	6 to 384 well plates, user-definable LVis Plate with 16 low volume microspots (2 μL)
Microplate Carrier	Robot compatible
Light Sources	High energy Xenon flash lamp
Detectors	Low-noise photomultiplier tube CCD spectrometer (ABS)
Wavelength Selection	Dual Linear Variable Filter (LVF) Monochromators™ Linear Variable Dichroic Mirror Separates excitation and emission LVF Monochromators Optical Filters Excitation and emission slides hold up to 5 filters each LVF Monochromators + Optical Filters Use one for excitation and the other for emission UV/Vis Absorbance Spectrometer Full spectra or 8 discrete wavelengths in ‹1 sec/well
Optical Filters	Excitation and emission slides for up to 4 filters each for monochoromator units (VANTAstar), and for up to 5 filters each for filter-only units (VANTAstar F)
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)
Spectral Range	Filters 240 - 740 nm for FI, LUM, TRF, FP, TR-FRET LVF Monochromators™ 320 - 740 nm for FI, LUM Linear Variable Dichroic 340 - 740 nm Spectrometer 220 - 1000 nm for ABS Wavelength precision: ≤0.5 nm
Sensitivity	FI Filters (top) ‹0.5 pM (‹10 amol/well FITC, 384sv, 20 μL) FI Filters (bottom) ‹2.5 pM (‹125 amol/well FITC, 384g, 50 μL) FI Monochromator (top) ‹0.8 pM (‹16 amol/well FITC, 384sv, 20 μL) FI Monochromator (bottom) ‹3.5 pM (‹175 amol/well FITC, 384g, 50 μL) FP ‹1.2 mP SD at 1 nM FITC (384sv, 20 μL) HTRF^® Reader Control Kit (Eu) after 18h (384sv, 20 μL) Delta F ›700% (High Calibrator) Delta F ›25% (Low Calibrator) TRF ‹30 fM europium (‹2.4 amol/well, 384, 80 μL) LUM ‹0.8 pM (‹15 amol/well ATP, 384sv white, 20 μL) Dynamic range: 8 decades in a single measurement 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): 9 sec (96), 16 sec (384)
Shaking	Linear, circular and double-circular with user-definable time and speed
Incubation	+4°C above ambient up to 45°C or 60°C (optional) Minimum condensation concept: the upper heating plate of the incubation chamber operates at +0.5°C than the lower plate, heated optic system.
Software	Multi-user SMART Control Software & MARS Data Analysis Software FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant Integrated fluorophore library
Dimensions & Weight	Width: 35 cm, Depth: 52 cm, Height: 36 cm; Weight: 27 kg
Optional Accessories	Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU)System to actively regulate O2 and CO2 (1-20%). Reagent Dispenser ModuleUp to 2 reagent injectors Individual injection volumes for each well: 3 to 500 μL (optionally up to 1 mL) Variable injection speed up to 420 μL/sec Reagent back flushing Heater and stirrer plate Dimensions: 13 cm (width), 31 cm (depth), 26 cm (height) Weight: 6 kg LVis PlateMicroplate designed to measure 16 low volume (2 μL) samples and standard cuvettes. Incorporates NIST-traceable filters and holmium oxide standards for instrument performance test. Sensitivity: ‹2 ng/μL dsDNA Evaluation PlatePlate designed to validate the optical functionality of microplate reader for quality control and/or qualification (IQ/OQ) purposes in environments following GLP compliance. THERMOstarMicroplate incubator and shaker FiltersOptical filters optimised for dyes, fluorophores and specific assays. Filters available for all applications from UV to NIR. Customised filters available upon request.

ABS: Absorbance / FI: Fluorescence Intensity / LUM: Luminescence / FP: Fluorescence Polarization / TRF: Time-resolved Fluorescence / TR-FRET: Time-resolved FRET FI (incl. FRET) is the standard detection mode. Other detection modes are optional. Instrument can be ordered with filter-based FI (VANTAstar F) instead of monochromator-based FI (VANTAstar).

All or some of the specifications and features noted on this page may be optional. All necessary details in this regard may not be specified on this page. Please contact us for full details. / Product design, appeareance, functionality, features and specifications are subject to change without notice.