Low-Cost Microplate Reader with 3D Printed Parts for under 500 USD

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Spectroscopy
• Laboratory Equipment

Background:

• Commercial microplate readers are expensive, limiting access for many research laboratories.
• Absorption spectroscopy is a fundamental technique for quantitative biological and chemical analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and construct a cost-effective 96-well microplate reader for absorption spectroscopy.
• To demonstrate the device's performance for common laboratory assays.

Main Methods:

• A 96-well microplate reader was designed and built using commercially available and 3D-printable components.
• The device was tested for its limit of detection and performance across the visible wavelength range.

Main Results:

• The reader was constructed for approximately $500, a seven-fold cost reduction compared to previous reports.
• Achieved a 3σ limit of detection of ~0.01 absorbance units (AU) within a 60-second measurement time.
• Demonstrated utility for assays like optical density (OD) at 600 nm and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) at 450 nm.

Conclusions:

• The developed microplate reader provides an affordable alternative for absorption spectroscopy in resource-limited settings.
• The open-source design empowers researchers and promotes greater equity in scientific inquiry.
• The device's versatility supports a range of essential laboratory applications.