NanoRacks is launching the NanoRacks Plate Reader-2 to the International Space Station. In May 2011, NanoRacks launched the first-ever microplate reader in space providing researchers the ability to conduct microplate reader experiments in microgravity for the first time.

The NanoRacks Plate Reader-2 is a reconfigured SpectraMax M5e, one of Molecular Devices’ most reliable, durable, and feature-rich microplate readers, and has been configured to operate comfortably in the microgravity environment of the space station. The self-funded NanoRacks Plate Reader-2 features a wide range of high-performance multi-mode reader capabilities ideal for life science research including absorbance, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, and fluorescence polarization modes with full spectral range detection for 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 96-, and 384-well microplates. Researches can also utilize the CuvettePlate microplate adapter for cuvette samples.

This second generation platform now includes temperature control, allowing researchers to extend their experiments to long durations, and the ability to configure every aspect of the researcher’s experiment from an Earth-based workstation using SoftMax Pro, the industry’s leading data acquisition and analysis tool. With these improvements, NanoRacks is able to offer scientists the same flexibility they have with their experiments in their own laboratories.

“The quality of microgravity research continues to increase with commercial partnerships on the International Space Station. This newer version of the NanoRacks Plate Reader is even better as a result of listening closely to our customers and astronauts’ suggestions” said Dr. Carl Carruthers, Chief Scientist for NanoRacks. “From monitoring bacterial growth or gene expression to changes in material properties, the NanoRacks Plate Reader-2 provides researchers access to the same type of hardware and microplate format found in their lab, allowing a smooth continuation of their ground-based research to the microgravity environment of the ISS.”

The NanoRacks Plate Reader-2 is scheduled to launch aboard the SpaceX-9 Mission.