Description
The Tecan Spark is a fully configurable multimode microplate reader designed to give labs the freedom to personalize the instrument for their specific research needs, with the ability to add modules and upgrade capabilities over time. It supports a broad range of detection modes, including absorbance (with UV/Vis spectra), fluorescence (top and bottom, including spectra), time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), FRET, and luminescence, making it well suited for both biochemical applications like HTS assays (HTRF, ALPHA) and cell-based work such as live-cell analysis and basic imaging. Its Fusion Optics technology combines filter- and monochromator-based detection within the same measurement, offering high sensitivity without sacrificing flexibility. The instrument’s High-Speed Monochromator can generate a full absorbance spectrum from 200–1,000 nm in as little as five seconds at 1 nm step size, virtually eliminating evaporation risk during scanning, and its wavelength accuracy and reproducibility (≤0.3 nm) make it a strong choice for low-volume nucleic acid quantification and purity checks using the patented NanoQuant Plate. Automation-friendly features like integrated lid lifting, an injector, programmable kinetic conditioning, and compatibility with the optional Spark-Stack microplate stacker (up to 50 plates per run) support advanced, hands-off long-term kinetic and cell-based experiments.
Features:
- Fully Configurable Platform: Choose from preset application-focused configurations or personalize a custom build, with future module upgrades supported.
- Fusion Optics: Combines filter and monochromator detection in the same measurement for high sensitivity and flexibility.
- High-Speed Monochromator: Captures a full 200–1,000 nm absorbance spectrum in ~5 seconds at 1 nm resolution.
- NanoQuant Plate Compatibility: Enables low-volume (as little as 2 µL) nucleic acid and protein quantification.
- Integrated Lid Lifting & Injector: Automates long-term kinetic assays and reduces contamination risk.
- Humidity Cassette: Simple ddH2O-filled moat creates an instant humidified chamber environment to reduce evaporation.
- SparkControl Software: Enables kinetic conditioning, remote operation, and “Open Kinetic” workflows for complex, hands-off experiments.
- Optional Spark-Stack Module: Field-upgradeable plate stacker automates loading/unloading of up to 50 plates (6- to 1,536-well, non-lidded SLAS format).
- Live Cell & Imaging Capability: Supports cell confluency and cell count measurements alongside standard biochemical assays.
Specifications:
- Detection modes: Absorbance, fluorescence (top/bottom), TRF, FRET, luminescence
- Absorbance range: 200–1,000 nm
- Spectral scan speed: Full spectrum in ~5 seconds (1 nm step size)
- Wavelength accuracy/reproducibility: ≤0.3 nm
- Plate format range: 6- to 384-well (up to 1,536-well with Spark-Stack module)
- Special accessory compatibility: NanoQuant Plate, Spark-Stack microplate stacker
- Software: SparkControl
- Optional add-ons: Gas control module (CO2/O2) for live-cell work, temperature control
