Molecular Devices SpectraMax GEMINI EM, Operator'S Manual

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Instrument Description
SpectraMax GEMINI EM Operator’s Manual 1-3
Introduction
The SpectraMax™ GEMINI EM Dual-Scanning Microplate Spectro fl uorome-
ter can perform a variety of fl uorescent applications as well as some lumines-
cent assays. The extreme fl exibility and high sensitivity of the SpectraMax
GEMINI EM make it appropriate for applications within the fi elds of bio-
chemistry, cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, and microbiology.
The instrument features a bottom-read mode ideal for whole-cell-based
assays and may be automatically switched to a top read mode for solution-
phase measurements.
The SpectraMax GEMINI EM uses two holographic diffraction grating
monochromators which allow for individual optimization of wavelengths for
both excitation and emission. The dual-scanning capability can also be used
to determine excitation and emission settings for new
fl uorescent probes.
Mirrored optics focus the light into the sample volume, and cutoff fi lters are
used to reduce stray light and minimize background interference. The light
source is a high-powered Xenon
fl ashlamp; additional fl exibility is provided
by allowing a variable number of lamp fl ashes per read.
Microplates having 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 384 wells can be used in the
SpectraMax GEMINI EM. Top or bottom detection is available at the touch of
a button. Detection of species collected on membrane plates is also possible.
One plate carrier adapter is provided with the instrument. The adapter is
required for optimum performance with standard 96- and 384-well format
microplates when reading from the top of the microplate.
The dynamic range of detection is from 10
-6
to 10
-11
molar fl uorescein. Varia-
tions in measured fl uorescence values are virtually eliminated by internal
compensation for detector sensitivity, photomultiplier tube voltage and sensi-
tivity, as well as excitation intensity.
Temperature in the microplate chamber is isothermal, both at ambient and
when the incubator is turned on. When the incubator is on, the temperature
may be controlled from 4°C above ambient to 45°C.
The contents of the wells in a microplate can be mixed automatically by shak-
ing before each read cycle, which makes it possible to perform kinetic analysis
of solid-phase, enzyme-mediated reactions such as a kinetic ELISA.
The SpectraMax GEMINI EM is controlled by an external computer running
SoftMax
®
Pro software which provides integrated instrument control, data
display, and statistical data analysis. The SpectraMax GEMINI EM cannot be
operated without the computer and SoftMax Pro software.