Tecan Infinite E Plex (CN) Multimode Microplate Reader

Overview

The Tecan Infinite E Plex (CN) Multimode Microplate Reader is an engineered solution for high-throughput, quantitative analysis in academic, pharmaceutical, and contract research laboratory environments. Built upon Tecan’s proven Quad4™ monochromator technology, this instrument delivers precise, reproducible spectral acquisition across absorbance, fluorescence intensity, and luminescence detection modes—without requiring interchangeable optical filters or external accessories. Its core architecture supports wavelength selection from 230 nm to 1000 nm with ≤1.5 nm accuracy at critical nucleic acid quantification wavelengths (260 nm and 280 nm), enabling reliable A260/A280 ratio determination for DNA and RNA purity assessment. Unlike fixed-filter readers, the Quad4™ system eliminates batch-to-batch variability associated with filter aging and alignment drift, ensuring long-term signal stability and inter-laboratory comparability.

Key Features

• Quad4™ four-monochromator optical engine: independent excitation/emission path control for fluorescence, plus dedicated absorbance and luminescence channels—enabling true multimode flexibility without hardware reconfiguration
• Integrated NanoQuant Plate (EP2045015) compatibility: supports simultaneous measurement of up to 16 samples at volumes as low as 2 µL, each with a dedicated quartz-based optical path optimized for UV transparency and minimal scatter
• Factory-aligned, calibration-free optical architecture: quartz-fused silica light paths are pre-characterized during manufacturing; no routine user calibration or path-length correction is required
• Automated plate handling with barcode scanning: compatible with standard SBS-format microplates (96-, 384-, and 1536-well), including low-volume and specialty plates (e.g., black/clear-bottom, white opaque)
• Thermostatic control (ambient to 45 °C) with condensation management: maintains assay integrity during kinetic measurements and enzyme activity profiling
• Robust mechanical design: vibration-damped chassis and precision stepper-motor-driven optics ensure positional repeatability 100,000 cycles

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Infinite E Plex (CN) accommodates diverse sample formats—including cell lysates, purified nucleic acids, recombinant proteins, small-molecule libraries, and whole-cell assays—in standard microplate geometries. Its UV-optimized optics and low-volume NanoQuant plate enable direct quantification of unpurified PCR products and CRISPR editing efficiency assays without dilution. From a regulatory standpoint, the system is architected to align with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) expectations: raw data files include embedded metadata (operator ID, timestamp, instrument serial number, protocol version), and optional software modules provide 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control. While not certified as a medical device, its performance characteristics meet ASTM E2758-21 (Standard Guide for Validation of Microplate Readers) and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 traceability requirements when used with NIST-traceable reference standards.

Software & Data Management

Instrument operation and data reduction are managed through Tecan’s SparkControl™ software suite (v3.5+), which provides intuitive workflow scripting, real-time kinetic visualization, and built-in analysis templates for common assays (e.g., Bradford, BCA, ELISA, luciferase reporter, ATP viability). All acquired data are stored in vendor-neutral .xlsx and .csv formats, with optional export to LIMS via HL7 or RESTful API integration. The software supports automated QC flagging—such as outlier detection based on Z’-factor thresholds—and generates PDF reports compliant with internal SOPs. Raw spectral scans retain full wavelength-resolution data (1 nm increments), allowing retrospective re-analysis without loss of fidelity.

Applications

• Nucleic acid quantification and purity assessment (A260/A280, A260/A230)
• Protein concentration determination via colorimetric assays (Bradford, Lowry, BCA)
• Enzyme kinetics (e.g., kinase, phosphatase, protease activity under variable substrate concentrations)
• Cell viability and cytotoxicity screening (MTT, XTT, resazurin, ATP-luciferase)
• Reporter gene assays (firefly and Renilla luciferase dual-reporter systems)
• Calcium flux and membrane potential measurements using fluorescent dyes (e.g., Fluo-4, JC-1)
• High-content microplate-based immunoassays (ELISA, AlphaLISA, HTRF)

FAQ

Does the Infinite E Plex (CN) support kinetic measurements across all detection modes?
Yes—absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence kinetic protocols can be defined with user-selectable interval times ranging from 5 seconds to 24 hours per cycle.
Is the NanoQuant Plate (EP2045015) reusable?
No—it is a single-use, disposable plate with integrated quartz waveguides; reuse would compromise optical consistency and introduce carryover risk.
Can the instrument be integrated into robotic liquid handling workflows?
Yes—via standard RS-232, USB, or Ethernet interfaces, and supported by Tecan’s Freedom EVO® and Fluent® integration protocols.
What validation documentation is provided with the system?
Each unit ships with a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report, IQ/OQ documentation templates, and a Certificate of Conformance referencing ISO 9001:2015 quality management system certification.
Is remote monitoring or troubleshooting supported?
Yes—SparkControl software includes secure remote desktop capability (with user permission controls) and diagnostic logging export for technical support escalation.