VANTAstar Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
The VANTAstar Multi-Mode Microplate Reader is a compact multi-mode microplate reader compatible with all plate formats up to 384 wells.
A good solid reader
Genomics and transcriptomics
The user guide is very comprehensive and the instrument and software have many additional functions that we have no need for at present. We have recently integrated our reader into an automated workcell; our automation partners report that the integration for the VANTAstar was straightforward enough and it seems to be perfectly functional in this new capacity. No complaints about the quality of the actual readings; it seems to exhibit greater sensitivity than the instrument that it replaced and the software is reasonably user-friendly for the most part. All in all a great addition to our lab.
Review Date: 9 Dec 2025 | BMG LABTECH
Everything's fine, we have no problems with the machine.
Photometric measurements of plant metabolisms
I purchased and use the machine almost daily. Super easy to use, really nice customer service, super helpful. Me and my coworkers couldn't be happier.
Review Date: 24 Jul 2024 | BMG LABTECH
Great results! I am very happy with this purchase and would highly recommend!
Biochemical assays with recombinant proteins
The VANTAstar is an excellent multi-mode plate reader. It is easy to use, generates clean and reproducible data, and has a small footprint that is ideal for lab spaces.
Review Date: 19 Apr 2024 | BMG LABTECH
User-friendly interface, and versatile data analysis capabilities.
Colorimetric enzyme assays and sometime Luminescence-based assays
In our laboratory, we are using 3 VANTAstar Plate Readers from BMG, and I must say, it has been an impressive addition to my laboratory equipment. As a research scientist, I rely heavily on plate readers for various assays (colorimetric, Luminescence), and the VANTAstar has exceeded my expectations in several key aspects. First and foremost, it offers exceptional performance with the accuracy and reproducibility of my experiments. The user interface of the VANTAstarPlate Reader is intuitive and user-friendly. Navigating through the software and setting up assays is a breeze, even for someone who's new to the instrument. I appreciated the well-organized layout and the variety of pre-programmed protocols, which saved me time and reduced the chances of human error during assay setup. BMG has also done an excellent job with Vantastar's data analysis capabilities. The built-in software offers many data processing and export options, allowing me to analyze and present my results in various formats. The instrument's design is sleek and modern, and it takes up a reasonable amount of space in the laboratory. Of course, as with any product, a few minor areas could be improved. While the software is user-friendly, having more advanced analysis tools for seasoned researchers who require additional data manipulation capabilities would be beneficial. I highly recommend the Vanstar Plate Reader to fellow scientists and researchers looking for a reliable plate reader for their experiments.
Review Date: 31 Jul 2023 | BMG LABTECH
Fantastic product, wonderful customer service, the obvious choice
Enzymatic activity assays, fluorescent protein detection in cells, pH measurements, protein quantifi
The VantaSTAR multimode platereader from BMG Labtech has exceeded all my expectations. The plate reader is extremely well-made (from Germany) and maintains a low profile on one of my lab benches. The hardware is extremely easy to use with very few moving pieces, limiting the need for frequent maintenance. The software (SmartControl, Voyager, and Mars) is intuitive and easy to use. The Mars Software in particular contains a whole host of analytic tools, similar in many ways to GraphPad. The customer service from BMG Labtech has also been excellent - from initial demo to installation/set-up to any/all follow-up issues. The product is truly first-class and the BMG Labtech representatives (shout outs to Devon Legge and EJ Dell in the Bay Area) have been amazing to work with. I highly recommend this product to any lab (academic or commercial) who is in need of multimode platereader for all absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence applications.
Review Date: 25 Jul 2023 | BMG LABTECH
Conceived for ease of use and flexibility, this instrument provides the perfect detection platform for a wide range of applications in basic research and life sciences. The combination of BMG LABTECH´s patented dual LVF MonochromatorTM system, UV/vis absorbance spectrometer and filters ensures full wavelength flexibility. LVF Monochromators™ provide the highest wavelength flexibility while delivering filter-like performance for fluorescence and luminescence assays. The Enhanced Dynamic Range (EDR) technology provides a dynamic range of 8 decades and combined with a fast full-plate auto-focus significantly improves usability and enables an effortless detection setup, as VANTAstar users do not have to worry about manually selecting sensitivity settings.
Features
- Detection modes: absorbance, fluorescence intensity, luminescence, fluorescence polarization, time-resolved fluorescence and TR-FRET
- LVF Monochromators™ with continuously adjustable bandwidths from 8 to 100 nm allow more light transmission and better performance
- No manual gain or focus adjustment required thanks to EDR and full-plate auto-focus
- 1 click top/bottom reading switch with no hardware displacements for all detection modes using both monochromators or filters
- Automatic cross-talk reduction improves luminescence data quality
- High-speed, full spectrum UV/vis absorbance (220 to 1000 nm in < 1 second per well)
- Atmospheric Control Unit and temperature incubation for live cell-based assays
- Reagent dispenser module with heather and magnetic stirrer
- Reduced footprint
The Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU) module enables independent, simultaneous control of both O2 and CO2 within the microplate reader chamber. Ranging from standard cell growth assays to cytotoxicity assays, the ACU provides the optimal environment for any live cell-based assay. Injectors can be combined with a software-controlled heater and magnetic stirrer, enabling reagent mix and dispensing from a bottle or beaker at a specific temperature.
Accessories
- Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU): provides the ideal environment for cell-based assays by regulating O2 and CO2 gas levels in the microplate reader
- Filters and Optic Modules: standard filters from 240 - 850 nm, filters and Optic Modules optimised for specific applications, and bespoke solutions are available
- LVis Plate: microplate for low-volume DNA, RNA and protein quantification. It includes 16 micro-drop (2 µL) wells, a cuvette slot and optional performance testing features
- Evaluation Plate: validates the optical functionality of BMG LABTECH microplate readers for quality control and/or qualification (IQ/OQ) purposes
Brochures
VANTAstar - Flexible plate reader with simplified workflows
The VANTAstarTM is a compact multi-mode microplate reader compatible with all plate formats up to 384 wells. Conceived for ease of use and flexibility, this instrument provides the perfect detection platform for a wide range of applications in basic research and life sciences. In this product brochure, you can find all the details you need to set up and use the VANTAstar™ Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, it also outlines the benefits of the microplate reader, and all possible applications, being a one-stop-shop for information on this product.
Microplate-based assays in microbiology research
In this eBook, BMG LABTECH discusses microplate-based assays in microbiology research, covering the use of microplate readers in microbiology research applications. It highlights the advantages of using microplate-based assays for monitoring microbial growth and viability, functional assays, and high-throughput screening for antimicrobial compounds. The eBook explores different types of microplate-based assays that can be used in microbiology research and provides application notes on various assays, including growth, detection, and monitoring of bacteria, yeasts, and viruses. The eBook serves as a comprehensive guide for microbiologists looking to leverage the benefits of microplate-based assays in their research, and is recommended for those who want to perform time and cost-efficient microbiology assays.
Measuring protein ligand binding with an endogenous HiBiT CETSA test system
In this application note, BMG LABTECH introduces the HiBiT CETSA, a method for measuring protein-ligand binding in a tracer-free manner. This approach can improve the screening for new ligands by allowing the measurement of endogenous full-length proteins. The HiBiT CETSA detects interactions between proteins and potential ligands by determining the protein's melting point along a heat gradient. The assay allows plotting the temperature against the detected luminescence, and subsequently, the melting curves are analyzed to identify compound-induced thermal shifts.
The Advanced Assay Stability system for temperature-sensitive assays
In this application note, BMG LABTECH discusses the limitations of conventional microplate readers when it comes to temperature stability and its effects on assay precision and reliability. The PHERAstar® FSX with Advanced Assay Stability (AAS) system eliminates external air flow to the inside of the reader, maintaining constant humidity and reducing evaporation. The AAS system enables the PHERAstar FSX to match room temperature conditions and to be maintained at any temperature between 18° and 45°C. It achieves this by automatically heating or cooling the microplate measurement chamber depending on the external environment.
Real-time cell motility tracking increases the throughput of scratch wound assays
In this application note, BMG LABTECH discusses the use of microplate readers for measuring the motility of cells, specifically in the context of wound healing and invasion assays. The note describes important factors to consider when performing these assays, such as the choice of a proper cell line, the selection of the right assay format, and the attainment of proper cell confluency prior to the assay. The note also discusses the use of key detection technologies such as fluorescence, luminescence, and absorbance, comparing the benefits and drawbacks of each technology.
Transfection efficiency of GFP- and mcherry-expressing HeLas evaluated on a microplate reader
Cells are transfected with exogenous DNA to study the regulation of gene and protein expression. To monitor transfection efficiency, a reporter gene is often attached to the gene of interest to monitor its insertion into the cell’s genome. Fluorescent proteins like Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) are often used as such reporters during transfection efficiency experiments. In this application note, find out how BMG LABTECH readers can reliably detect cells expressing a fluorescent marker down to ~600 cells/well in a 96- well plate.
Viability assays: A comparison of luminescence-, fluorescence-, and absorbance-based assays to determine viable cell counts
There are numerous viability assay kits available which allow cellular viability quantification using absorbance (Abs), fluorescence (FI), or luminescence (Lum) readouts in a microplate reader.
In this application note, BMG Labtech compares three popular representatives (Vybrant® MTT, alamarBlueTM, and CellTiter-Glo®) in terms of their usability, as well as lower and upper limit of detection, to support you in the selection of the optimal viability assay for your individual application.
Elucidating PROTAC MoA with live-cell kinetic monitoring of ternary complex formation and target protein ubiquitination
In this application note, BMG LABTECH demonstrates how the CLARIOstar with ACU can be used with NanoBRET™ technology, developed by Promega, to monitor PROTAC function in live cells.
Get the best out of your microplate reader
Discover tips and considerations for improving microplate reader measurements. Application specialists, Dr. Ann-Cathrin Volz and Dr. Martin Mangold from BMG LABTECH, discuss the impact of different plate reader parameters on data, and provide empirical evidence of their effect on data quality. They also discuss approaches to optimize microplate reader settings, and share recommendations for using BMG LABTECH's range of microplate readers.
VANTAstar Microplate Reader
The VANTAstar is a compact multi-mode microplate reader conceived for ease of use and flexibility. It provides the best possible data without the need to make any adjustments and comes equipped with LVF Monochromators, filter-based detection, and a UV/vis spectrometer.
How the latest microplate reading technology can revolutionize life in the lab
BMG LABTECH shares the importance of having a fit-for-purpose microplate reader and introduces its latest technology, the VANTAstar
















