Fluorescence Microplate Assays

Fluorescence microplate assays leverage the sensitivity of fluorescence-based techniques and the user-friendly microplate format to deliver rapid, quantitative readouts excellent for high-throughput analysis. This makes fluorescence microplate assays a valuable tool for applications in drug discovery, genomics, proteomics, and various biomedical research fields.

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a comprehensive range of fluorescence microplate assays that enable researchers to investigate crucial cellular processes such as cell viability, cell proliferation, protein interactions, protein quantification, enzyme activities, and gene expression. These assays are compatible for intact cells, cell lysates, or purified enzyme preparations, eliminating the need for complex cellular imaging techniques and enhancing experimental efficiency. Furthermore, our fluorescence microplate assays offer precise and reliable results for kinetic and endpoint analyses in a variety of biological processes.

See guidelines for setting up your microplate experiments

Featured fluorescence microplate assays

Cell viability

Use a variety of assays to evaluate viability such as reducing or redox potential, release of enzymatic proteins or membrane integrity.

Cell proliferation

Assays that measure DNA content or new DNA synthesis.

Enzyme activity

Assays for the measurement of protease and other enzymes such as collagenases, elastases, lysozymes, reverse transcriptase, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Ion indicators

Track intracellular calcium and magnesium, or measure intracellular pH with a range of wavelength options in live cells.

Related fluorescence microplate assays

Other enzyme activity assays

Caspase activity assays:
Assays that detect activation of caspase enzymes, the early stage of apoptosis.

β-Galactosidase activity assays:
Assays and substrates for the sensitive detection of β-galactosidase or glucosidases.

Cell signaling and reactive oxygen species assays

Cell signaling and lipids assays:
Measure the activity of various analytes including cholesterol, phosphates and pyrophosphate, phosphatase, and phospholipase.

Reactive oxygen species assays:
Detection of a variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as generalized oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), and myeloperoxidase (MPO).

Metabolism and analyte assays

Metabolites and analytes assays:
Amplex Red substrate is used in various metabolic, neurobiology, and inflammation assays to detect a variety of analytes such as glucose, galactose, cholesterol, glutamic acid, xanthine (or hypoxanthine), uric acid, choline and acetylcholine, as well as hydrogen peroxide.

Nucleic acid and protein analysis assays

Nucleic acids assays:
Assays to quantify dsDNA, ssDNA, and RNA for downstream applications.

Protein quantitation assays:
Quantitation kits that are specific for protein components within the sample.

Expertly detect fluorescence with plate readers that enable maximum flexibility and performance

Visualize results quickly and easily with fast plate reads and an intuitive suite of software. Experience a software suite and application options that evolve with your lab. Measure a variety of signals including fluorescence, absorbance, luminescence, or time-resolved fluorescence on a Thermo Scientific microplate reader. From upgradable multimode systems to dedicated readers, we offer solutions that fit your current budget, with options to help meet your lab’s future needs.

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Guidelines for optimizing fluorescence microplate assays

Select the appropriate fluorescence filters or wavelengths for optimal signal.
NOTE: Poor spectral matches between detection reagents and instruments can result in large losses of signal.
Adjust instrument sensitivity settings to maximize fluorescence signal while maintaining the linear dynamic range.
Use uniform assay volumes to minimize signal variations.
Tip: Always use at least the minimum volume recommended by the instrument manufacturer.
Thoroughly mix samples to prevent aggregation or variations in reaction rates.
Minimize bubbles in assay solutions to avoid light scattering and erroneous signals.
Prepare replicate samples to enhance measurement precision.
Check for potential edge effects and apply appropriate calibration if needed.
Tip: A solution of a spectrally appropriate fluorophore can be used to determine the consistency of the fluorescence signal obtained across all wells.
Segregate intensely fluorescent samples to prevent well-to-well crosstalk.
Tip: Leave empty or blank wells next to intensely fluorescent samples, or load samples with similar fluorescence intensities in neighboring wells or use white- or black-walled microplates instead of clear plates.
Avoid unnecessary sample reruns to prevent photobleaching.
Ensure that sample concentrations fall within the assay's dynamic range.