Tecan Infinite F50 Absorbance Microplate Reader

Overview

The Tecan Infinite F50 Absorbance Microplate Reader is a compact, high-performance photometric instrument engineered for precision endpoint, kinetic, and multi-label absorbance measurements in life science laboratories. Based on solid-state LED illumination and an 8-channel parallel detection architecture, the system delivers rapid, reproducible optical density (OD) readings across standard microplate formats (6–384-well). Unlike broadband lamp-based systems, its wavelength-specific LEDs eliminate the need for mechanical filters or monochromators—reducing maintenance, thermal drift, and calibration frequency while ensuring long-term photometric stability. The instrument operates on the principle of Beer–Lambert law-compliant transmission photometry, where sample absorbance is quantified relative to a reference well or air blank. Designed for routine ELISA, protein quantification (e.g., Bradford, BCA), cell viability (MTT, XTT), and enzymatic activity assays, the Infinite F50 integrates seamlessly into regulated environments requiring traceable, auditable data handling.

Key Features

• 8-channel simultaneous absorbance detection enables full-plate reads in under 15 seconds for 96-well plates—optimized for high-throughput screening workflows without compromising inter-well precision.
• Wavelength-specific high-intensity LEDs (e.g., 405 nm, 450 nm, 492 nm, 620 nm) provide stable, low-noise excitation with 10,000-hour operational lifetime—eliminating lamp replacement and spectral recalibration.
• Adjustable orbital shaking (speed: 100–1,200 rpm; duration: 0–10 min) ensures homogeneous mixing prior to reading, critical for heterogeneous immunoassays and suspension-based viability assays.
• Robust mechanical design validated per MTTF (Mean Time to Failure) standards exceeding 25,000 hours—supporting continuous operation in core facilities and QC labs.
• Integrated plate recognition via barcode scanning (optional accessory) and auto-detection of plate type and assay configuration reduce manual setup errors.
• FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant firmware includes role-based user access control, full electronic audit trail, and digitally signed report generation—meeting GLP/GMP documentation requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Infinite F50 supports all ANSI/SBS-standard microplates—including clear, UV-transparent, and opaque-bottom formats—for absorbance measurements from 340 nm to 750 nm (depending on LED configuration). It accommodates low-volume assays (≥100 µL/well) and tolerates minor meniscus variation through optical pathlength correction algorithms. The system complies with ISO 13485:2016 (medical device quality management), EU In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR 2017/746), and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures. All firmware updates are version-controlled and documented per change control SOPs. Instrument qualification packages (IQ/OQ/PQ) are available and compatible with laboratory validation frameworks aligned with USP , ASTM E2500, and Annex 11 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

Magellan software (v7.3 or later) serves as the native acquisition and analysis platform, offering pre-configured templates for ELISA, enzyme kinetics, and dose-response curve fitting (4PL/5PL regression). Raw absorbance data is stored in a relational database with immutable timestamps, user attribution, and revision history. Export options include CSV (for LIMS integration), Excel (with embedded metadata), PDF (signed reports), and XML (for automated data pipeline ingestion). Audit trail logs record every parameter change, file export, and user login—retained for ≥36 months by default. Remote monitoring and scheduled runs are supported via Ethernet-connected operation; USB ports allow local backup without network dependency.

Applications

• Quantitative ELISA (IgG, cytokine, hormone detection) with coefficient of variation (CV) <2% across plates.
• Enzyme activity profiling (e.g., LDH, ALP, β-galactosidase) using kinetic slope analysis at defined time intervals.
• Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assays (MTT, WST-1, resazurin) with temperature-stabilized incubation (external stacker required).
• Protein and nucleic acid concentration determination (A₂₈₀/A₂₆₀) using dual-wavelength referencing to correct for turbidity.
• Microbial growth monitoring in 96-well format for antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) and biocidal efficacy studies.

FAQ

Does the Infinite F50 support wavelength scanning or spectral acquisition?
No. The Infinite F50 is a fixed-wavelength absorbance reader. It uses discrete LEDs—each optimized for a specific band (e.g., 450 nm for ELISA)—and does not incorporate monochromators or diode arrays.
Can it be integrated with robotic liquid handlers or stackers?
Yes—via standardized RS-232 or Ethernet commands using Tecan’s FluentControl protocol. Third-party integration requires I/O trigger support and plate presence sensing (hardware add-ons required).
Is Magellan software validated for use in GxP environments?
Yes. A vendor-provided validation package—including test scripts, evidence summaries, and UAT documentation—is available upon request and aligns with FDA and EMA expectations for configurable software.
What maintenance is required beyond routine cleaning?
None. LED light sources require no alignment or replacement during the instrument’s service life. Annual performance verification (using NIST-traceable OD standards) is recommended for regulated labs.
Does the system support temperature control?
No—ambient-only operation. For temperature-dependent assays, external incubated plate stackers (e.g., Te-Cool or Hula) must be used in conjunction with the reader.