Fluorescence Microplate Assays

‹ Cell Analysis

Combining the sensitivity of a fluorescence-based assay with a microplate format enables a rapid, quantitative readout suitable for high-throughput analysis. In a microplate well, the fluorescent signal can be generated within whole cells, in cell lysates, or in purified enzyme preparations and may then be analyzed by measuring fluorescence intensity from the well without the need for cellular imaging.

Many of these assays include substrates, buffers, and calibration standards as well as kinetic or endpoint protocols.

Explore our portfolio of easy-to-learn, easy-to-use microplate readers
Fluorescence microplate applications
Caspase Assays
  • Live-cell assays
  • Caspase-3/7 assays
  • Other caspase substrates
Cell Proliferation
  • DNA content
  • DNA synthesis
Cell Signaling and Lipids
  • Cholesterol
  • Phosphate and pyrophosphatase
  • Phosphatase
  • Phospholipase
Cell Viability
  • Mammalian cell assays (measuring reduction potential and membrane integrity)
  • Bacteria and yeast assays
Enzyme Activity
  • Phosphatases
  • Phospholipases
  • Proteases
  • Other enzymes
β-Galactosidase Assays
  • Assay kits
  • β-gal substrates
  • Glucosidase substrates
Ion Indicators
  • Intracellular calcium
  • Intracellular magnesium
  • pH indicators
Metabolites and Analytes
  • Metabolic assays
  • Neurobiology assays
  • Inflammation assays
Nucleic Acids
  • dsDNA assays
  • ssDNA assays
  • RNA assays
Protein Quantitation
  • CBQCA
  • Quant-iT™ assay
  • NanoOrange® assay
Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Oxidative stress
  • Nitric oxide
  • Other oxidative indicators
Viability Confirmation
  • Multiplexed viability/cytotoxicity assay
  • Automation-friendly
Expertly detect fluorescence with Thermo Scientific plate readers

High-sensitivity fluorescence detection for 96-1,536 samples can be quickly performed on Fluoroskan or Fluoroskan FL Microplate Fluorometer or Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader using Invitrogen reagents for optimal detection. Take advantage of automatic dynamic range selection to get optimal gain settings for each individual well and automation capabilities for even higher throughput.

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Guidelines for optimizing for fluorescence-based microplate assays

  • 1.Select optimal fluorescence excitation and emission filters or wavelengths. Wavelength data for excitation and emission are provided in the Product Manual and/or Quick Review Cards. Poor spectral matches between detection reagents and instruments can result in large losses of signal.
  • 2.Adjust instrument sensitivity settings to maximize fluorescence signal. To achieve maximum linear dynamic range, choose the highest gain or sensitivity setting that is suitable for both the lowest and highest anticipated assay values.
  • 3.Use uniform assay volumes. Small differences in assay volume can cause large differences in signal. To obtain reliable measurements, always use at least the minimum volume recommended by the instrument manufacturer.
  • 4.Mix samples thoroughly. Poor mixing can result in aggregation, precipitation, variations in reaction rates, or well-to-well concentration differences of the analyte or detection reagent.
  • 5.Avoid bubbles. Bubbles in assay solutions cause light scattering and erroneous signals. Briefly centrifuge the microplate, degas solutions prior to dispensing (but not for live cells assay), or pop large bubbles with a pipette tip.
  • 6.Prepare replicate samples. Analyzing replicates increases the precision of the measurements.
  • 7.Avoid “edge effects.” A solution of a spectrally appropriate fluorophore can be used to determine the consistency of the fluorescence signal obtained across all wells of the microplate. If signal differences are observed in wells along the microplate edges, apply an appropriate calibration factor or do not use those wells.
  • 8.Segregate bright samples. In transparent microplates, intensely fluorescent samples can affect signals observed in nearby wells (well-to-well crosstalk). Leave empty or blank wells next to intensely fluorescent samples, or load samples with similar fluorescence intensities in neighboring wells. Use white- or black-walled microplated instead of clear plates.
  • 9.Avoid photobleaching samples. Do not rerun samples unless absolutely necessary. Do not rerun standards, as significant photobleaching can occur with some reagents during fluorescence measurements.
  • 10.Use sample concentrations within the range of the assay. For unknown samples, try several dilutions.