Modulus™ Microplate Multimode Reader Operating Manual Part Number 998-9300 Revision 1.
Turner BioSystems, Inc. and its suppliers own the written and other materials in the Modulus Microplate Reader operating manual. The written materials are copyrighted and protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America and, throughout the world, by the copyright laws of each jurisdiction according to pertinent treaties and conventions. No part of this manual may be reproduced manually, electronically, or in any other way without the written permission of Turner BioSystems, Inc.
Table of Contents 1 Instrument 1.1 Getting Started ................................................................................................................. 2 1.1.1 1.1.2 1.1.3 1.1.4 1.1.5 1.2 Description ............................................................................................................ 2 Precautions ........................................................................................................... 2 Unpacking and Inspection .....................................
Table of Contents 2.9 3 Luminescence Module ..................................................................................................... 22 Fluorescence .............................................................................................................................. 23 3.1 General Information ......................................................................................................... 23 3.2 Optical Wavelenghts and Commonly Used Fluorophores ..........................
Table of Contents 6 Accessories ............................................................................................................................... 39 6.1 Curve Fitting Data Analysis Software (9300-970) ......................................................... 39 6.2 Connecting to a PC using External PC Connectivity Kit (9300-971) ........................... 39 6.2.1 6.2.2 6.2.3 6.2.4 6.2.5 6.2.6 6.2.7 6.2.8 6.3 Standard Light Plate (9100-036) .............................................
Table of Contents APPENDIX ............................................................................................................................... 53 Appendix A – Specification ....................................................................................................... 53 Appendix B – Warranty and Obtaining Service ...................................................................... 55 Appendix C – Ordering Information .................................................................
1 Instrument 1.1 Getting Started 1.1.1 Description Thank you for purchasing the Turner BioSystems, Inc. Modulus™ Microplate Reader. This manual will guide you through the installation, setup and operation of your instrument. The Modulus™ Microplate Reader is an expandable multimode reader with unbeatable performance. Each detection mode has dedicated optics for the highest versatility without sacrifice of performance.
1.1.3 Unpacking and Inspection Upon receiving the Modulus™ Microplate Reader, inspect it carefully for any damage to the exterior such as scratches and/or dents. Make certain all accessories are included. Refer to the checklist shipped with the instrument for order-specific items. Save all packaging materials, if possible, in case the instrument needs to be shipped to a service center in the future.
1 Instrument 3. Plug the power line cord into the power connector on the back panel of the instrument. Plug the power supply brick into a power outlet. For power specifications, refer to Appendix A. 4. Turn the Modulus™ Microplate Reader on. The power switch is located on the back panel next to the power connector. 5. Look for an LED light to come on within one minute. The light is located to the left of the touch screen and indicates when the instrument is initialized. 6.
1 Instrument 9 10 11 12 13 Figure 1-3: Back Panel of the Modulus™ Microplate Reader Components 9 RS-232 Port 10 USB Port 11 Injector System Connector 12 Power Connector 13 Power Switch Description • Connects to a PC, 9-pin serial port • Connects to a PC • Exclusively connects the Injector System to the instrument’s 15-pin port • Connects with an AC power supply • Turns the instrument on and off NOTE: Do not connect anything except the injector system to the instrument’s injector system con
1 Instrument 1.2 Touch Screen Basics A built-in Windows-based PC with a custom interface enables user-friendly control of the Modulus™ Microplate Reader. This all-in-one modular instrument saves bench space while eliminating computer compatibility and maintenance issues. WARNING: Do not touch the LCD screen with any sharp object, pen, pencil, or marker as these may cause permanent damage. Avoid spilling any liquid onto or near the touch screen.
1 Instrument • • 1.2.2 1.2.
1 Instrument 1.2.4 When viewing Absorbance results, the button toggles between the different data formats: OD, %T, and %A • Toggles through the sets of results generated from repeat runs • PLATE VIEW button shows the full or partial view of the results in a microplate format • • Displays the results as a ratio See Section 2.8.2 for ratio calculations • Copies .
1 Instrument maximum volume per well is 250 µl. Overfilling a well will result in spills and possible damage to the instrument. Delay: The number of seconds between the injection of the reagent and taking a measurement. Setting a delay after the injection will allow flash-type luminescence to fully actualize before a reading. The minimum delay value is 0.5 seconds in 0.1-second increments. Wavelength: Selects one or two Absorbance filters from a list.
1 Instrument 1.3 HOME screen Figure 1-4: HOME Screen The HOME screen contains four options: • NEW PROTOCOL launches the wizard to set up a new protocol. • SELECT PROTOCOL launches the wizard to select pre-programmed protocols from a list. • INSTRUMENT CONTROL is for instrument set up, managing results, and managing the instrument. • HELP TOPICS cover informational topics. From any of the PROTOCOL wizards, return to the HOME screen by touching the CANCEL button.
1 Instrument • • NEW PROTOCOL allows the user to create new protocols. Touching this button launches the NEW PROTOCOL wizard. It guides the user through a series of steps to define a protocol. After completing the wizard, the user may save the protocol under the User list of protocols. SELECT PROTOCOL allows the user to retrieve stored protocols. There are two types of stored protocols: Preset and User.
1 Instrument 8. To save the modified protocol: 1. Touch the white text button with the protocol name. See Figure 1-7(C). 2. Touch the YES button in the dialog box. 3. To save the protocol under the same name, touch the SAVE button. 4. To save the protocol under a new name, touch the EDIT button. Use the activated keypad to enter the new name and touch the OK button when editing is complete. Then touch the SAVE button to save the renamed protocol. 5. Modified protocols are saved in the User list.
1 Instrument 1.5.2 Well Selection To select or deselect a well, touch the well to toggle between green and gray colored wells. In absorbance mode, it also toggles to REF for reference wells. To select or deselect a whole row or column, touch the corresponding number or letter. Hold down the button and drag to make continuous changes. When the ALL button is touched, the entire plate toggles between selected and deselected.
1 Instrument Opening the instrument door while the Microplate Sample Tray is in motion will cause it to stop. When it is necessary to access the instrument interior, turn off the instrument. Manually hold the instrument door open. Do not use the DOOR button. The Microplate Sample Plate Cover may be in the way. IMPORTANT: Close the instrument door immediately after each use! 1.6 Viewing the Data in the RESULTS Screen Figure 1-9: The RESULTS Screen Touch the FILES button to see a list of results files.
1 Instrument Use the DELETE button to permanently remove unwanted results from the results list. www.turnerbiosystems.
1 Instrument 1.7 Transferring Data Results files are transferred to a PC or Mac via a USB flash drive using the USB port located to the left of the touch screen. The files are exported in a .csv format and are compatible with Microsoft Excel on both Windows and Mac computers. Step-by-step directions follow. 1. To transfer data from the Modulus™ Microplate Reader to an external computer, insert a USB flash drive into the USB port located left of the touch screen.
1 Instrument 1.8 Repeat Runs Each detection modality has the option to do repeat runs. Injectors cannot be used in this mode. In repeat runs, the entire sample plate is read between each period. 1.8.1 Repeat Runs Parameters Readings: The number of times a sample plate is read. When the number of readings is set to a value between 2 and 99, the period parameter and time estimates are displayed.
2 Luminescence 2 Luminescence 2.1 General Information • The Luminometer detection wavelength range is 350 to 650 nm. • Microplate Recommendations: - White plates are recommended for general luminescence detection. - Black plates are recommended primarily for bright assays, such as ELISA, but will generally yield decreased sensitivity despite the benefit of having lower background and cross-talk than white plates. - Clear plates are not recommended due to high cross-talk.
2 Luminescence 2.4 Starting a Run Easy-to-use protocol wizards can be accessed from the HOME screen to set up the run parameters. See Section 1.4 for protocol management. Otherwise, follow the steps below to set up a Luminescence run. A B C D F E Figure 2-1: Luminescence Parameters on the READ Screen 1. From the HOME screen, touch the INSTRUMENT CONTROL button, and then the READ button. See Figure 2-1(A). 2. Toggle the Detection Mode to Luminescence. See See Figure 2-1(B). 3.
2 Luminescence 2.5 Kinetic In kinetic mode, the instrument performs multiple reads of a single well with defined frequency over a defined period of time before moving to the next well. The kinetic feature is available in Luminescence mode only. One or both injectors can be used in the Kinetic mode. Each sample reading is taken after the second injection and injection delay.
2 Luminescence 2.7 Using a Standard Light Plate The optional Standard Light Plate provides a quick way to verify instrument performance. The Standard Light Plate consists of three highly stable light sources which simulate luminescent samples at signal intensity ranging over four logarithmic scales of data. 2.7.1 Getting Started 1. Briefly press the “Start” button on the Microplate Luminometer Light Plate. 2.
2 Luminescence 2.8 Luminescence Data Luminescence data is displayed in Relative Luminescence Units (RLU). 2.8.1 Kinetic Kinetic results are displayed in graphic curve format in the RESULTS screen. To obtain the numeric readings, export the results file to a USB flash drive and transfer it to a computer. See Section 1.7 for transferring data. There will be a single result file for the entire run. The x-axes are displayed in linear time and y-axes are displayed in log RLU scale.
3 Fluorescence 3.1 General Information • Microplate Recommendations: - Black plates are highly recommended. - Clear plates can be used as a low-cost alternative if high signal intensity is expected. - White plates are not recommended. It will increase noise by 20x to 50x. • Samples with bubbles or high surface tension will affect fluorescence readings. • Ensure the correct optical kit is used for the assay’s fluorophore.
3 Fluorescence 3.3 Starting a Run Easy-to-use protocol wizards can be accessed from the HOME screen to set up the run parameters. Follow the steps below to set up a Fluorescence run. A B C E D Figure 3-1: Fluorescence Parameters on the READ Screen 1. From the HOME screen, touch the INSTRUMENT CONTROL button, and then the READ button. 2. Toggle the Detection Mode to Fluorescence. See Figure 3-1(A). 3. Touch the white text button to select a protocol or modify the displayed parameters.
3 Fluorescence 3.4 Switching Fluorescence Optical Kits 1. Close the instrument door by touching the DOOR button. This will ensure the Microplate Sample Tray is at the “Home” position. 2. Manually open the instrument door and hold it down with one hand. 3. Gently pull out the Fluorescence Optical Kit found under the FLUOR label. 4. Insert a new Fluorescence Optical Kit into the opening by pushing it in firmly. The label should be facing up and outward Figure 3-2: Installing a Fluorescence Optical Kit 3.
3 Fluorescence 5. Hand tighten the 2 captive screws using the Allen Wrench (size 7/16) provided with the kit. Too much force may damage the screws. See Figure 3-3. 6. Insert one of the Fluorescence Optical Kits into the opening found on the detection head. Push in completely. 7. Close the instrument door. 8. Power on the instrument. 9. To ensure the instrument detects the newly installed module, verify the FLUOR icon appears on the INSTRUMENT STATUS bar on the INSTRUMENT CONTROL screen. See Figure 3-4.
4 Absorbance 4.1 General Information • Four installed filters and two customizable filter holders are included on the six-position filter wheel. • The absorbance LED spectral range is 400 to 800nm. • Microplate recommendations: - Black wall and clear flat bottom are recommended. - Clear microplate can be used. • Two absorbance wavelengths can be selected per well for running ratiometric assays. 4.
4 Absorbance 4.2.1 Customizable Absorbance Paddle Two absorbance paddles are included for customization. The absorbance paddle can accommodate any 12.7 mm diameter, < 6.4 mm thickness filter in the spectral range of 400 – 800 nm. Users can order an optical filter through a third party vendor or Turner BioSystems. Contact Turner BioSystems’ Technical Support Department for more details. Figure 4-2: Absorbance Filter Paddle Wavelengths for custom filters cannot be entered in by the user.
4 Absorbance 3. Touch the white text button to select a protocol or modify the displayed parameters. See Figure 4-3(B). 4. Single or dual wavelengths can be selected by toggling the WAVELENGTH button. See Figure 4-3(C). 5. Touch the WAVELENGTH FILTER SELECTION button to select a wavelength. There is an option for each of the installed filters. For custom filters, select either position A or B. 6. Touch the PLATE button and select wells to be read.
4 Absorbance Wells marked with a Ref were designated as Reference wells. Reference value of each wavelength reading is applied to each wavelength reading. If more than one Reference well is selected, an average of the Reference values at each wavelength is used. 4.5.1 Ratiometric Data (A) (B) (C) Figure 4-4: Absorbance Ratiometric Results as Displayed on the READ Screen When two wavelengths are selected for a protocol, a reading at each wavelength is taken for each sample.
4 Absorbance 9. To ensure the instrument detects the newly installed module, verify the ABSOR icon appears on the INSTRUMENT STATUS bar on the INSTRUMENT CONTROL screen. See Figure 4-7 Figure 4-6: Arrows point to the two captive screws on the Absorbance Module Figure 4-5: Installing the Absorbance Module Figure 4-7: DETECTION MODE icon on the INSTRUMENT STATUS bar indicating the Absorbance Module is detected www.turnerbiosystems.
5 Injector System 5.1 Injector System Components Unpack the Modulus™ Microplate Reader injector system carefully. Verify all components and accessories have been received. See the enclosed list for details. The components included are: 2 1 7 6 3 4 5 Figure 5-1: Modulus™ Microplate Reader Injector System and Accessories Number Assembly 1 Injector System Console 2 Inlet Tubing Assembly 3 Outlet Tubing Assembly 4 5 6 7 Not shown Not shown 5.
5 Injector System Figure 5-2: A Complete Injector System on Top of a Modulus Microplate Reader 1. Power off the Modulus™ Microplate Reader. 2. Place the Injector System Console on top of the instrument with the four rubber feet firmly inside of the indentation and level. 3. Remove the black rectangular plate located behind the touch screen by loosening the two screws with the provided Allen wrench. 4.
5 Injector System 6. Manually open the instrument door and hold it down. Insert the injector tip into the injector tip holder on the front of the Luminescence Module. Note: Injector tip #1 is on the left and tip #2 is on the right. NOTE: During installation, use caution to prevent damage to the injector tip. Any nicks or deformations can adversely affect the quality of the injection and mixing. Outlet Inj 1 Inj 2 7. Attach the outlet tubing to the inside port of the respective injector pump.
5 Injector System 11. Pinch the lever on the back of the inlet tube holder to clip the stainless steel tube securely into place. 12. Plug one end of the DB-15 cable into the back of the injector system console and the other end to the connector labeled PUMP CONNECTION on the back panel of the instrument. WARNING: Use only the cable provided with the instrument. Plugging any unauthorized cable into the connector may result in an electrical short. 6 5.
5 Injector System NOTE: The reagent container holder can accommodate four size containers: A round flat bottom bottle, a 50 ml conical tube, a 15 ml conical tube, and a 15 ml test tube. Periodically inspect the injector tip(s) (if installed) for bending or damage. When needed, promptly replace to avoid leaks onto the Microplate Sample Tray Cover. WARNING: Do not use bent or damaged injector tips. Check the tips periodically and replace as needed. www.turnerbiosystems.
5 Injector System 5.3.1 Priming Injectors 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Place the reagent container into the reagent holder. Cover the bottle opening with Parafilm to prevent reagent evaporation. Insert the stainless steel tube through the Parafilm and into the reagent bottle. Snap the stainless steel tube into the slot on the horizontal bar and ensure the tube reaches the bottom of the reagent bottle. Touch the DOOR button to automatically open the instrument door.
5 Injector System 2. Place the container of 70% ethanol on the bottle holder. The stainless steel inlet tube should be inserted to reach the bottom of the bottle. 3. Place an empty Waste Collection Tray on the Microplate Sample Tray. 4. From the INSTRUMENT CONTROL screen, go to the READ screen. Touch the SETUP button to run the PRIME protocol. 5. Allow the solution to sit in the fluid path for 30 minutes before flushing the injector(s). 6. Run the CUSTOM FLUSH protocol nine times with deionized water. 7.
5 Injector System 5.8 Removing or Replacing Inlet and Outlet Plastic Tubing Replacement tubing assembly is available from Turner BioSystems. See Appendix C for ordering information. 1. Disconnect the inlet or outlet tubing from the injector pump by twisting the gray fitting counterclockwise. 2. Discard the used injector tubing assembly. 3. Twist the fitting of the replacement tubing into the correct port of the injector pump. 5.
6 Accessories 6.1 Curve Fitting Data Analysis Software (9300-970) Curve Fitting Data Analysis software is easy-to-use analysis software that analyzes data (96 readings of microplate generated from instruments) and calculates the concentration of unknown samples using eight different curve-fitting methods.
6 Accessories • 6.2.2 When an external PC has control of the instrument, the Modulus™ Microplate Reader touch screen is disabled. File Locations While an external PC is directly controlling the Modulus™ Microplate Reader, newly generated results files can be found in the following locations. The location of the file folders cannot be user-defined. For ease of access, it is recommended to create a desktop shortcut link to the file folders.
6 Accessories 3. Power on the Modulus™ Microplate Reader. 4. The FOUND A NEW HARDWARE wizard will appear. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to complete the wizard. 5. Select the option NO, NOT AT THIS TIME on the WELCOME screen then click on the NEXT button to continue. Figure 6-2: Step 5 of Installing the Drivers 6. When asked, “What do you want the wizard to do?” select the default option INSTALL THE SOFTWARE AUTOMATICALLY. Click on the NEXT button to continue. 7.
6 Accessories 6.2.7 Connecting to a PC Using an RS-232 Serial Cable 1. Power on the instrument and PC. 2. Connect the Modulus™ Microplate Reader to a PC using the RS-232 serial port located on the back panel of the instrument. 3. From the HOME screen, go to the INSTRUMENT CONTROL screen and touch the TOOLS button. 4. Touch the EXTERNAL PC CONTROL button. 5. Launch the Modulus™ Microplate Reader PC software from the PC. 6. Check the INSTRUMENT STATUS bar of the PC software for connectivity.
6 Accessories 6.3.3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 6.4 Changing the Battery Remove the two Phillips head screws. Remove the battery retainer plate. Pull the battery out of the battery compartment. Install the new battery (4LR61) with notch aligned according to the drawing. Reinstall the battery retainer plate. Replace the two Phillips head screws. Press the “Start” button while observing the “Battery Check” indicator to ensure the light plate is working (green light should appear).
7 Tools From the INSTRUMENT CONTROL screen, touch the TOOLS button to manage various aspects of the instrument. 7.1 System Information Touch the INFORMATION button for information about the Modulus™ Microplate Reader.
7 Tools 7.2 Event Log The event log can be downloaded onto a USB flash drive in a .TXT format. Insert a USB flash drive into the USB port which is located on the front of the instrument to the left of the touch screen. Touch the COPY EVENT LOG button. The event log cannot be viewed on the Modulus™ Microplate Reader touch screen. To view the event log, download the file in .TXT format and open the log on a PC or Mac computer.
7 Tools 7.6 Updating Firmware Perform a firmware update only when instructed by Turner BioSystems Technical Support Department. Follow the instructions below to update the firmware on the Modulus™ Microplate Reader. Action 1. Copy the af.ldf file to the top level of the USB flash drive. Result 2. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB port on the front of the Modulus™ Microplate Reader. The message, “Update the firmware?” will appear. 3. Touch the OK button.
8 Instrument Maintenance 8.1 General Instrument Care The instrument must be on a level surface to operate properly. Allow 7.5 inches (19 cm) of clearance in front of the Modulus™ Microplate Reader so that the instrument door may open without hindrance. The maximum volume capacity per well is 250 µl. If a well is overfilled, immediately clean up any spills. Touch the DOOR button to automatically open and close the instrument door.
8 Instrument Maintenance 8.3 Touch Screen Care Do not use any sharp object such as a pen, pencil, stylus, or marker to make contact with the touch screen. These may damage or leave a permanent mark on the touch-sensitive LCD screen. Do not spill liquid on the screen. To clean the Modulus™ Microplate Reader touch screen, power off the instrument. Use a ® KimWipe dampened with 70% ethanol to gently and cautiously clean the touch screen.
9 Troubleshooting 9.
9 Troubleshooting Injector 2 not installed The protocol requires addition of reagent using Injector 2 but it is not detected • Luminometer not installed Instrument does not detect the Luminescence Module • • • Fluorometer not installed Instrument does not detect the Fluorescence Module • • • • • Absorbance Module not installed Instrument does not detect the Absorbance Module • • • Open the door manually.
9 Troubleshooting 9.2 Table of Common Problems Symptom Injections sputter, drip, or are otherwise weak Injector leaks.
9 Troubleshooting 9.3 Commonly Asked Questions 9.3.1 PC Connectivity Q: When I connect the Modulus™ Microplate Reader to a PC through a different USB port, I get the “Found New Hardware Wizard” again. Do I need to reinstall the driver? A: Yes, you will need to reinstall the driver as if it is the first time detecting the instrument. Instructions can be found in Section 6.2. Q: Can I transfer data to and from the PC while connected? A: No, this function is currently not available.
APPENDIX Appendix A - Specifications General Specifications • Detection Modes: Luminescence, Fluorescence, and Absorbance • Sample Format: 96-well microplate • Read Format: 1-96 samples in 96-well microplate • Integrated PC Operating System: Windows CE • User Interface: 6.6 in VGA color TFT LCD display with touch screen • Data Output: PC & Mac compatible .csv file format • PC requirements (optional): Windows XP operating system or higher • Dimensions: 53 cm D x 44 cm W x 31 cm H ( 21 in D x 17.3 in W x 12.
APPENDIX Injector System Specifications • Number of Injectors: single or dual injectors • Dispense Volume Range: 25 – 200 µl in 5 µl increments • Waste Collection Tray Volume: ~50 ml • Dead volume: ~450 ul For the most up-to-date specifications, please visit our web site at www.turnerbiosystems.com. www.turnerbiosystems.
APPENDIX Appendix B - Warranty and Obtaining Service General Warranty Information Turner BioSystems warrants the Modulus™ Microplate Reader and accessories to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one year from the time of initial purchase, with the following restrictions: • • • • • • • The instrument and accessories must be installed, powered, and operated in compliance with the directions in this Operating Manual and the directions accompanying th
APPENDIX Prior correspondence is necessary to: • • Eliminate minor problems, easily handled on-site in your laboratory, both to save money and minimize equipment downtime. Determine the nature of the problem, so that efficient and timely repair(s) can be performed with particular attention paid to your needs. Out of Warranty Service Follow the same steps as detailed above for Warranty Service. Our Service Department will be happy to provide assistance for free by telephone or correspondence.
APPENDIX Appendix C - Ordering Information To get a price quote or place an order call the Turner BioSystems Sales Department toll-free at: 1.888.636.2401 (US & Canada only) or 1.408.636.2400 or visit us on our web site at www.turnerbiosystems.
APPENDIX Part Number Description Includes Replacement Part 159-9100 046-0400 021-0615 9300-046 9300-043 9300-044 9300-045 9300-042 9300-340 9300-963 Power supply Brick Power Line Cord DB-15 Communication Cable Fluorescence Optical Kit - Blue Fluorescence Optical Kit - UV Fluorescence Optical Kit - Green Fluorescence Optical Kit - Red Fluorescence Optical Kit - C460 Microplate Sample Tray Cover Inlet Tubing Assembly 24V, 60W, 2.
APPENDIX Appendix D - How to Contact Us Turner BioSystems, Inc. 645 North Mary Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94085 USA Sales@turnerbiosystems.com Techsupport@turnerbiosystems.com By phone: + 1 (888) 636.2401, + 1 (408) 636.2400 By fax: + 1 (408) 737.7919 Or by visiting our web site: www.turnerbiosystems.com Modulus™ is a trademark of Turner BioSystems, Inc.
www.turnerbiosystems.
645 N. Mary Avenue • Sunnyvale, CA 94085 Phone: (408) 636-2400 •Toll Free: (888) 636.2401 • Fax: (408) 737-7919 www.turnerbiosystems.
