Thermo Fisher Scientific Multiskan SkyHigh UV-Vis Microplate Spectrophotometer
| Brand | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
|---|---|
| Origin | Singapore |
| Manufacturer Authorization | Authorized Distributor |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | Multiskan SkyHigh |
| Detection Method | Absorbance (Photometry) |
| Function Type | Single-Mode |
| Automation Level | Fully Automated Microplate Reader |
| Assay Modes | Endpoint, Kinetic, and Spectrum Scan |
| Curve Fitting Options | Linear, Point-to-Point, Quadratic, Cubic, Four-Parameter Logistic (4PL), Cubic Spline, Two-Parameter Logarithmic |
| Detector Type | Monochromator-Based |
| Wavelength Range | 200–1,000 nm |
| Absorbance Range | Up to 3.0 Abs |
| Absorbance Linearity | 0–2.5 Abs (±2%) |
| Wavelength Scanning Speed | 10 s (200–1000 nm, 1 nm step) |
| Precision | SD < 0.003 Abs or CV < 1.0% |
Overview
The Thermo Fisher Scientific Multiskan SkyHigh is a high-performance, monochromator-based UV-Vis microplate spectrophotometer engineered for precision photometric quantification across life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of single-beam absorbance measurement using a high-energy pulsed xenon lamp and a precision grating monochromator, enabling continuous spectral scanning without filter exchange. Designed for rigorous academic, clinical, and industrial QC environments, the SkyHigh delivers traceable, reproducible optical density (OD) measurements essential for nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) quantification, protein concentration determination (e.g., Bradford, BCA, Lowry), enzyme kinetics (e.g., ELISA, kinase assays), and cell viability studies. Its broad 200–1000 nm wavelength coverage supports both deep-UV applications (e.g., 260/280 nm ratio analysis) and near-IR-compatible assays, while its ≤2.5 nm bandwidth at 450 nm ensures high spectral resolution and minimal stray light interference—critical for multiplexed or turbid sample analysis.
Key Features
- Monochromator-driven flexibility: Full-spectrum scanning (200–1000 nm, 1 nm increments) enables method development without hardware modification; eliminates need for fixed-wavelength filters.
- μDrop Duo accessory support: Integrated compatibility with the μDrop Duo microvolume plate allows simultaneous quantification of up to 32 low-volume (0.5–2 µL) nucleic acid or protein samples—no dilution or cuvette handling required.
- Dual operation modes: Standalone use via built-in 7-inch capacitive touchscreen (with real-time graphing and protocol storage) or PC-controlled operation via SkanIt software—ensuring adaptability in shared-core facilities or GLP-compliant workflows.
- Cuvette compatibility: Optional cuvette port accommodates standard 12.5 × 12.5 × 40–58 mm rectangular cells with 8.5 mm beam height and ≥2 mm aperture—enabling reference-standard validation and calibration verification per ISO 8655 and ASTM E275.
- High-speed microplate reading: 6-second read time for 96-well plates and 10-second read time for 384-well plates (A1 → A1 cycle), supporting high-throughput screening without compromising photometric accuracy.
- Thermo Fisher Connect integration: Secure cloud-enabled remote monitoring, data synchronization, firmware update notifications, and audit-trail-capable instrument status logging—aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used with SkanIt’s electronic signature and user-role management features.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Multiskan SkyHigh accepts standard ANSI/SLAS-compliant 96-well and 384-well microplates (flat-, round-, or V-bottom), as well as quartz or UV-transparent plastic cuvettes. Its optical path design minimizes meniscus effects and edge artifacts, ensuring reliable measurements even with low-volume or viscous samples. The system complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment safety and meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards per EN 61326-1. When operated with SkanIt Software v5.2 or later and configured with user authentication, audit trails, and electronic signatures, the platform supports GLP, GMP, and ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems. Absorbance linearity (0–2.5 Abs, ±2%) and precision (SD < 0.003 Abs or CV < 1.0% at 450 nm) are verified per ISO 15197 and CLSI EP6-A guidelines using NIST-traceable neutral density filters and certified reference materials.
Software & Data Management
SkanIt Software serves as the unified control and analysis engine for the Multiskan SkyHigh. Its modular architecture supports protocol creation with embedded error-checking logic, real-time kinetic curve visualization, multi-parameter regression (including 4PL, cubic spline, and point-to-point interpolation), and automated background subtraction. Raw data export is available in CSV, Excel (.xlsx), and XML formats—with metadata tagging compliant with MIAME and MIAPE standards. For regulated environments, SkanIt offers configurable audit trails, role-based access control (administrator, operator, viewer), and electronic signature enforcement per 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11. Data integrity is further reinforced through automatic timestamping, instrument ID logging, and secure local/cloud backup options via Thermo Fisher Connect—enabling seamless transfer to LIMS or ELN platforms.
Applications
- Nucleic acid quantification and purity assessment (A260/A280, A260/A230)
- Protein concentration determination via colorimetric assays (Bradford, BCA, Lowry, Pierce 660 nm)
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoassay development
- Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assays (MTT, XTT, Resazurin)
- Kinetic monitoring of enzymatic reactions (e.g., β-galactosidase, luciferase, dehydrogenases)
- Spectral characterization of dyes, nanoparticles, and nanomaterials
- Quality control of oligonucleotide synthesis and recombinant protein batches
FAQ
What wavelength accuracy and repeatability specifications does the Multiskan SkyHigh meet?
The instrument achieves ±1.0 nm wavelength accuracy across 200–1000 nm (verified with holmium oxide and didymium filters), with repeatability of ±0.2 nm (RSD < 0.1%).
Can the SkyHigh perform temperature-controlled measurements?
No—the Multiskan SkyHigh lacks an integrated incubation module. For kinetic assays requiring thermal regulation, pairing with an external plate heater or environmental chamber is recommended.
Is the μDrop Duo accessory included by default?
The μDrop Duo is an optional accessory; it must be ordered separately and is not bundled with base configurations.
Does SkanIt software support multi-instrument fleet management?
Yes—SkanIt enables centralized configuration, method deployment, and status monitoring across multiple Multiskan instruments (SkyHigh, FC, GO) within a single networked environment.
How is photometric performance validated post-installation?
Users may run the built-in optical performance verification (OPV) test using supplied calibration standards, generating a PDF report compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements.
