Thermo Fisher Multiskan SkyHigh Full-Range Microplate Spectrophotometer

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Multiskan SkyHigh is a high-performance, monochromator-based full-spectrum microplate spectrophotometer engineered for precision absorbance and turbidity measurements across life science laboratories. Operating on UV-Vis spectrophotometric principles—specifically, broadband xenon flash lamp illumination coupled with a high-resolution grating monochromator—the instrument delivers wavelength selection from 200 nm to 1000 nm with ≤2.5 nm spectral bandwidth and 1 nm resolution. Its optical architecture enables accurate quantification of nucleic acids (DNA/RNA), proteins (via Bradford, BCA, Lowry, or direct A280), enzyme kinetics, cell viability assays (e.g., MTT, WST), and microbial growth monitoring. Designed for multi-user environments, the SkyHigh supports endpoint, kinetic, and full-spectrum scanning modes in 6-, 48-, 96-, and 384-well microplates, as well as cuvettes and µDrop™/µDrop Duo microvolume plates—enabling reliable measurement of as little as 2 µL sample volume without dilution. With plate height accommodation up to 19.5 mm (including lid), integrated linear shaking, and temperature-controlled incubation (ambient +2 °C to 45 °C), it accommodates both standard biochemical assays and temperature-sensitive cellular applications.

Key Features

• Monochromator-based optics enabling continuous wavelength selection from 200–1000 nm with <2.5 nm bandwidth and ±1 nm wavelength accuracy
• Ultrafast read times: ≤6 seconds for full 96-well plate at single wavelength; ≤10 seconds for 384-well plate; ≤10 seconds for full 200–1000 nm spectral scan
• Integrated microplate incubation (ambient +2 °C to 45 °C) and linear orbital shaking for homogeneous mixing and kinetic assay optimization
• Multi-format compatibility: standard microplates (6–384 wells), cuvettes (1 cm pathlength), and µDrop™/µDrop Duo microvolume plates for low-volume nucleic acid and protein analysis
• Touchscreen interface with pre-installed, validated protocols—including A260/A280-based nucleic acid quantitation, A280-based protein concentration, and colorimetric protein assays
• Compliance-ready design supporting audit trails, electronic signatures, and user access control via SkanIt Software Life Sciences Edition and Drug Discovery Edition

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Multiskan SkyHigh accommodates diverse sample formats essential for modern molecular biology and pharmacology workflows. In addition to conventional microplates, its support for µDrop Duo plates enables direct quantitation of unpurified lysates and crude extracts—eliminating pipetting errors and carryover risks associated with dilution-based methods. The system meets key regulatory expectations for data integrity: SkanIt Software versions comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, offering role-based user permissions, secure electronic signatures, immutable audit trails, and configurable data retention policies. All measurement sessions are timestamped and linked to operator ID, instrument configuration, and protocol version—ensuring full traceability during GLP/GMP audits. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025, the instrument’s photometric accuracy (±1.0% + 0.003 Abs at 450 nm, 0–2.0 Abs; ±2.0% at 2.0–2.5 Abs) and linearity (≤2% deviation over 0–2.5 Abs at 450 nm) align with ASTM E275 and ISO 10934-1 performance benchmarks for laboratory spectrophotometers.

Software & Data Management

SkanIt Software serves as the unified, open-license platform for all Thermo Scientific microplate readers. Installed without hardware lock or node restrictions, it supports unlimited deployment across lab workstations. The software provides intuitive workflow navigation, virtual pipetting tools for rapid plate layout definition, and built-in calculation modules—including ΔA/min for enzyme kinetics, standard curve fitting (linear, quadratic, 4-/5-parameter logistic), and concentration derivation with error propagation. SkanIt Cloud Library offers searchable, peer-reviewed assay protocols with embedded calculations and real-world application notes—accessible offline or synchronized via Thermo Fisher Connect. For cloud-integrated labs, encrypted data export to Microsoft OneDrive ensures secure remote storage, cross-team collaboration, and version-controlled result sharing—while maintaining local data sovereignty per institutional IT policy.

Applications

The Multiskan SkyHigh is routinely deployed in academic core facilities, biopharma QC labs, and contract research organizations for: DNA/RNA purity and concentration assessment (A260/A280, A260/A230); total protein quantitation (BCA, Bradford, Lowry); ELISA and immunoassay development; cell proliferation and cytotoxicity screening (MTT, XTT, resazurin); bacterial growth kinetics (OD600); ligand-binding kinetics; and high-throughput compound library profiling. Its ability to perform simultaneous multi-wavelength endpoint reads and time-resolved kinetic scans makes it particularly suitable for enzyme inhibition studies, receptor-ligand binding assays, and reporter gene expression analysis under controlled thermal conditions.

FAQ

What is the maximum microplate height supported by the Multiskan SkyHigh?
The instrument accommodates plates up to 19.5 mm in height—including lids—ensuring compatibility with barcoded, sealed, or vented assay plates.
Does the SkyHigh support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—when used with SkanIt Software Life Sciences Edition or Drug Discovery Edition, it provides electronic signature capability, audit trail logging, and user access controls required for regulated environments.
Can I use the instrument without connecting to a PC?
Yes—the touchscreen model operates independently with onboard protocols, data storage, and basic analysis functions; PC connectivity is optional for advanced reporting and cloud synchronization.
What microvolume formats are supported?
The system natively reads µDrop™ and µDrop Duo plates, enabling accurate A260/A280 measurements from 2–5 µL samples without dilution or cuvette transfer.
Is the incubation function programmable?
Yes—users can define precise incubation temperature (ambient +2 °C to 45 °C) and duration prior to or during measurement, with real-time monitoring displayed on the touchscreen interface.