The POLARstar Omega is a multi-mode microplate reader that can perform all microplate based assays, including fluorescence polarization (FP) experiments. Having Simultaneous Dual Emission (SDE) detection, it can capture two emission wavelengths at once, like the perpendicular and parallel signals in FP. In addition, BMG LABTECH’s proprietary CCD-based spectrometer allows for ultra-fast, full UV/Vis spectrum analysis on the POLARstar Omega. With these two features, experiments are possible on the POLARstar Omega that are not possible on most other microplate readers.

Applications include
• Calcium measurements (e.g. Ca2+ flux with Fura-2, Indo-1, FLUO-3/4)
• FRET/BRET assays
• Cell toxicity, proliferation and viability
• Cell migration and invasion
• Stem, mammalian, and microbial cells
• AlphaScreen® and AlphaLISA® Assays
• ATP and ADP quantification
• Luciferase, dual luciferase, Renilla, Firefly, Cypridina, Gaussia, DLReadyTM
• ORAC and ABEL antioxidant assays
• Fluorescent proteins like GFP, including FRET (CFP/YFP)
• TRF and TR-FRET assays, including DELFIA®, Lance®, HTRF® and LanthaScreenTM
• cAMP detection using FP
• Protein/protein interaction (e.g. BRET)
• Kinase profiling using a competitive FP immunoassay
• Caspase assays using FRET-based biosensor protein
• Transcreener ADP2 FP assay
• Protein and nucleic acid quantitation (e.g. Bradford, Lowry, RNA, DNA, 260/280 nm)
• and much more…..

To properly perform all of the leading assays in microplates up to 1536-wells, the POLARstar Omega offers the following detection modes:

• Fluorescence Polarization (FP) with Simultaneous Dual Emission detection
• Fluorescence Intensity - including FRET
• Time-Resolved Fluorescence (TRF) - including
• TR-FRET
• AlphaScreen®/AlphaLISA®
• High-Performance Luminescence (flash and glow) - including BRET
• Spectrometer-based UV/Vis Absorbance

Simultaneous Dual Emission (SDE) Detection
The POLARstar Omega has BMG LABTECH’s SDE, which means it has an extra PMT to detect a second emission signal in assays like FP, FRET, and BRET. Because the POLARstar Omega does not have to switch filters or polarizers to read the second channel, its Simultaneous Dual Emission detection makes FP, FRET, and BRET assays faster and more precise.

Cell-based Assays - Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU)
For cell based assays, the POLARstar Omega can be equipped with the Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU) for proper gas control, as well as with two reagent injectors and extended incubation capabilities up to 65°C. The microprocessor controlled ACU fully regulates both O2 (1 - 19%) and CO2 (0 - 20%) levels within the microplate reader chamber for optimal results in all cell-based assays.

Low Volume Measurements with the LVis Plate
For absorbance assays like DNA, RNA, or protein concentration determination, the POLARstar Omega can use BMG LABTECH’s low volume LVis Plate. Two microliters of sample can be measured in any of the sixteen microdrop wells, saving on precious reagents needed for further experimentation.

Software
The POLARstar Omega comes with BMG LABTECH's license-free Omega Reader Control software and MARS Data Analysis Software. This highly intuitive software package provides limitless possibilities for test set up, but also offers easy one-click App buttons for the most common applications.