Revvity VICTOR Kira Multimode Microplate Reader

Overview

The Revvity VICTOR Kira Multimode Microplate Reader is an engineered solution for quantitative and qualitative analysis in life science research, drug discovery, and clinical assay development. Built upon a quad-grating monochromator architecture, the instrument delivers precise, tunable excitation and emission selection across UV-Vis-NIR spectra—enabling high-fidelity detection of absorbance (Abs), fluorescence intensity (FI), time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), fluorescence polarization (FP), and luminescence (LUM), including bioluminescence and chemiluminescence. Unlike filter-based systems, the monochromator design eliminates manual filter changes and ensures wavelength flexibility without hardware reconfiguration. Its fully automated operation integrates seamlessly into high-throughput workflows, supporting standard 6– to 1536-well microplates with programmable plate handling, temperature control (ambient to 45 °C), and orbital shaking. The system is designed for reproducibility in regulated environments and aligns with method validation requirements under ISO/IEC 17025 and ASTM E2597 practices.

Key Features

• Quad-grating monochromator enabling continuous wavelength selection from 230 nm to 850 nm for both excitation and emission, with 1 nm resolution and <5 nm bandwidth
• High-sensitivity photomultiplier tube (PMT) detector optimized for low-light luminescence and TRF assays, with dynamic range exceeding 6 decades
• Integrated plate incubation and controlled shaking (linear or orbital) to support kinetic assays requiring uniform mixing and thermal equilibration
• Automated barcode scanning for plate identification and traceability, compatible with LIMS and ELN integration
• Onboard calibration verification using integrated reference standards for absorbance and fluorescence, supporting routine performance qualification (PQ)
• Rugged, fan-cooled optical bench with vibration-dampened optics to maintain signal stability during extended acquisition cycles

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VICTOR Kira accepts all standard microplate formats—including clear, white, black, and specialized low-volume plates—and accommodates opaque or reflective bottom configurations. It supports common assay chemistries such as ELISA, cell viability (e.g., MTT, resazurin), reporter gene assays (luciferase, GFP), calcium flux (Fluo-4, Fura-2), and protein-protein interaction studies (AlphaScreen/AlphaLISA). From a regulatory standpoint, the instrument’s firmware and software architecture are developed per IEC 62304 for medical device software safety classification. Data integrity features include electronic signatures, user role-based access control, and immutable audit trails compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11. Routine IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages are available to support GxP lab qualification.

Software & Data Management

Kira Control Suite provides a unified interface for protocol setup, real-time monitoring, data visualization, and export. Protocols are structured as modular steps—plate loading, incubation, reading parameters, shaking, and data processing—with drag-and-drop workflow assembly. Raw data are stored in vendor-neutral .csv and .xlsx formats; optional .xml exports support MIAME-compliant metadata tagging. Advanced analysis modules include kinetic curve fitting (exponential, sigmoidal), Z’-factor calculation, %CV reporting, and multi-parameter gating for multiplexed assays. The software supports direct integration with third-party platforms via RESTful API and OPC UA protocols, facilitating connectivity with robotic liquid handlers and enterprise laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Applications

The VICTOR Kira serves core applications across academic, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic laboratories: primary and secondary screening in high-throughput compound libraries; cell-based functional assays (GPCR signaling, kinase activity); immunoassay development and QC; nucleic acid quantification (dsDNA, RNA); and viral titer determination (e.g., pseudotyped lentivirus via luciferase reporter readout). Its TRF capability enables robust detection in complex biological matrices—such as serum or tissue lysates—where autofluorescence interference limits conventional fluorescence methods. In translational research, the system supports biomarker validation workflows requiring parallel measurement of multiple analytes across large sample cohorts.

FAQ

Does the VICTOR Kira support kinetic measurements with variable interval timing?

Yes—users can define custom time points, linear or logarithmic intervals, and conditional triggers (e.g., signal threshold crossing) for real-time kinetic acquisition.
Can the instrument perform simultaneous dual-emission ratiometric measurements?

Yes—using sequential monochromator sweeps, it acquires paired emission signals (e.g., 485/535 nm and 485/590 nm) within a single well read cycle, enabling FRET and ratio-metric ion indicator assays.
Is remote monitoring and control supported?

Yes—Kira Control Suite includes secure web-based remote access with TLS 1.2 encryption, allowing authorized users to monitor runs, adjust parameters, and download results from off-site locations.
What service and application support options are available?

Revvity offers on-site installation qualification (IQ), preventive maintenance contracts, assay optimization consulting, and application-specific training delivered by field application scientists with PhD-level expertise in assay development and instrumentation.