Overview

This post documents how we verified compatibility between our lab’s Agilent BioTek Synergy HTX multimode plate reader and the Cayman Chemical metabolic assays we plan to use (Glucose, Lactate, BCA Protein, and Triglycerides).

Plate Reader Specifications

  • Model: Agilent BioTek Synergy HTX
  • Detection Modes:
    • Absorbance: Monochromator (200–999 nm, 1 nm steps)
    • Fluorescence: Filter-based
  • Available Fluorescence Filters:
    • Excitation: 360/40, 485/20, 528/20
    • Emission: 460/40, 528/20, 590/20

Assay Requirements vs Reader Capabilities

Assay Requirement Reader Capability Compatible?
Glucose Absorbance at 514 nm Monochromator (514 nm) ✅
Lactate Excitation 530–540 nm / Emission 585–595 nm 528/20 Ex + 590/20 Em ✅
BCA Protein Absorbance at 562 nm Monochromator (562 nm) ✅
Triglycerides Absorbance at 540 nm Monochromator (540 nm) ✅

Summary

  • Lactate assay (fluorescence) is fully compatible with our installed filters.
  • Glucose, BCA protein, and triglyceride assays (absorbance) are covered by the monochromator.

Notes for Running Assays

  • Fluorescence assays (Lactate):
    • Excitation: 528/20 nm filter
    • Emission: 590/20 nm filter
  • Absorbance assays (Glucose, BCA, Triglycerides):
    • Select target wavelengths manually in Gen5 software.
    • Use clear, flat-bottom plates for best accuracy.
  • Validation Step:
    • Run a test plate with standards only to confirm proper calibration and signal linearity before beginning full experiments.

Conclusion

With our current configuration, we can move forward confidently using the Cayman Chemical assays on the Synergy HTX. No additional hardware upgrades are needed!