"I have been using the fluorometer to measure DNA amounts from my chromatin immunoprecipitation methods. This instrument is perfect for our applications. It has a very small footprint and works like a charm when hooked up to the computer. Life in the lab would be very different without the instrument."
Tae Hoon Kim, Yale University School of Medicine

A modular, easy to use, and cost-effective single tube multimode reader for Luminescence, Fluorescence, and Absorbance Life Science applications.

Overview

The Modulus™ Single Tube Multimode Reader is designed to provide the utmost flexibility. In addition to high performance, the Modulus™ blends user-friendly operation and a small footprint with flexible purchasing options. The result of this design is an instrument with superior performance that is easy to use, affordable, and can be customized to your laboratory’s needs.

Performance

The Modulus™ combines the superior performance expected from single-mode instruments with the functionality of multiple modes. To achieve high performance, the Modulus™ is designed with optical channels dedicated to each individual technology. Unlike other multimode systems, readings taken with the Modulus™ are not degraded by indirect fiber-optic transmission or crowded optical channels. Dedicated optical channeling ensures that the Modulus™ provides sensitivity and dynamic range on par with single-mode instruments.

Ease of Use

The Modulus™ is designed to be put into use straight from the box without the need to read a manual or obtain special training. To achieve this plug-and-play usability, the Modulus™ combines a color touch screen with an intuitive user interface. The interface makes running samples and viewing data fast and simple while also maintaining the flexibility needed for advanced or custom protocols.

Affordable Modularity

The Modulus™ is a modular instrument that fits easily into most budgets. Purchase the technology or modes that you need now and add onto the system later as your needs expand. For example, the Modulus™ can be purchased as a Luminometer, then Fluorescence and/or Absorbance Modules can be purchased and added later. There’s no service call or downtime. With the modular design, changing technologies is as easy as snapping in a module and restarting the instrument.

Minicell Adapter
For fluorescence measurements of sample volumes between 100 µl and 200 µl, a minicell adapter is available as an optional accessory.

Lid Start
Adjust settings to start measurement immediately after the lid is closed.

Sample Formats
For luminescence measurements, the Modulus™ accepts 1.5-ml microcentrifuge tubes. For fluorescence and absorbance measurements, the Modulus accepts standard 10 x 10 mm cuvettes.

Touchscreen
The touchscreen allows simple navigation between screens for setting parameters, setting calibrations, and starting runs.

Troubleshooting
Easy access to HELP with the touch of a button.

Data Handling
The Modulus™ stores up to 18 calibrations. Data from the last 20 measurements are displayed on the color LCD screen. Optional accessories for easy data exportation include Spreadsheet Interface Software or thermal printer.

Luminescence Applications

•     Luciferase Assays
•     ATP Assays
•     Chemiluminescent Immunoassays
•     Kinetics Assays

The Modulus™ with a Luminescence Module is designed to deliver performance equivalent to dedicated single-tube luminometers while also offering the flexibility of a multimode reader. To achieve sensitivity on par with that of a dedicated luminometer, the luminescence channel is separated from other measurement technologies and positioned directly below the sample well. These conditions maximize light capture for the best possible sensitivity. In conjunction, a low-noise photomultiplier tube ensures that collected light is not compromised. The Modulus™ also has greater than 5 logs of dynamic range. This dynamic range is more than adequate to cover common luminescence applications, thus reducing the need to dilute samples.

Fluorescence Applications

•     DNA/RNA Quantitation
•     Gene Expression Assays
•     Enzyme Assays
•     Protein Quantitation

The Modulus™ with a Fluorescence Module is designed to deliver both high performance and user flexibility. To achieve high performance, each Fluorescence Module utilizes powerful light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as excitation sources. LEDs have very specific light-output profiles which closely match the excitation profile of commonly used fluorescent molecules. LED usage increases sensitivity by fully exciting the fluorophore and reducing non-specific light leakage, a problem often found when using broad-spectrum light sources. Additionally, the highly-sensitive Modulus™ uses a 90-degree fluorescent design to minimize light scatter and lower background resulting in high sensitivity.

The Modulus™ as a fluorometer utilizes four easily exchangeable modules to measure the most popular fluorophores. In addition, custom modules can be made for non-standard applications.

Absorbance Applications

•     Protein Quantitation
•     Cell Turbidity, OD 600

The Modulus™ with the Absorbance Module provides measurements that are highly sensitive and cover a wide dynamic range. Because the optics are not shared with any other detection technology, the focused absorbance measurements yield outstanding performance. The absorbance channel has a large reading range of 0 - 4 OD with an accuracy that deviates less than 0.7%. The Modulus™ comes with three filter paddles with factory-installed filters for measuring 560, 600, and 750 nm. These filters accommodate the most common protein assays. Filter paddles can be easily exchanged in seconds. In addition, custom filter paddles can be readily made for non-standard applications.

Modulus Single Tube Instrument Specifications

Detection Modes: Luminescence, Fluorescence, Absorbance
Read Type: Glow, Kinetic, Repeat
Sample Format: 10 x 10 mm cuvette, 100 - 200 µl minicell vial (optional), 1.5 ml microfuge tube (Luminescence)
User Interface: Touch screen navigation and operation
Data Output: Data displayed on screen or connect to PC (not included) via serial cable to download. Optional thermal printer available.
External PC Requirements (optional): Windows 98 or later
Computer Interface: 100% ASCII format through a 9-pin RS-232 serial cable at 9600 baud rate
Power: 12 V 0.84 A Max
Auto Shutoff: Touch screen hibernates after 15 min of inactivity
Dimensions: 12.92” D x 10.44” W x 8.42” H (32.82 cm D x 26.52 cm W x 21.39 cm H)
Weight: ~6.5 lbs (2.95 kg)
Operating Temperature: 60 - 105 ºF (15 - 40 ºC)
Warranty: One year
Approvals: CE

Luminescence Module Specifications (Factory Installed)

Detector: Photomultiplier tube (PMT)
Spectral Range: 350 - 650 nmPeak Wavelength: 420 nm
Detection Limit: 1 x 10^-16 moles ATP or 1 x 10^-20 moles Luciferase
Linear Dynamic Range: 5 logs
Sample Format: 1.5 ml microfuge tubes

Fluorescence Module Specifications (User Installable)

Light Source: Wavelength-matched LED
Detector: Photodiode
Wavelength Selection: Snap-in Fluorescence Modules: Blue (Ex 460 nm, Em 515 - 570 nm), UV (Ex 365 nm, Em 410 - 450 nm), Green (Ex 525 nm, Em 580 - 640 nm), Red (Ex 625 nm, Em 660 - 720nm), UV-GFP (Ex 365 nm, Em 515 - 570nm)
Detection Limit: 6 ppt fluorescein, 4.5 pg/100 µl DNA with PicoGreen® Dye
Linear Dynamic Range: 6 logs, assay dependent
Sample Format: 10 x 10 mm cuvette, 100 - 200 µl minicell vial (optional)
Read Out: Direct concentration or raw fluorescence
Calibration: 1 - 5 point calibration
Discrete Sample Average: Sample readings are averaged over 5 seconds to improve accuracy

Absorbance Module Specifications (User Installable)

Light Source: LED
Detector: Photodiode
Spectral Range: 400 - 800 nm
Wavelengths for Installed Filters: 560, 600, 750 nm
Photometric Measuring Range: 0 - 4.0 OD
Linear Dynamic Range: 0 - 2.5 OD, assay dependent
OD Accuracy: ±0.7%
OD Precision: <±0.5% at 1.0 OD

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Modulus is a trademark of Turner BioSystems, Inc. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.