PerkinElmer’s EnSpire Multimode Plate Reader is the first benchtop detection platform to utilize a combination of optical label-free technology and labeled assays for the identification and characterization of potential new therapeutic targets. The EnSpire uses Corning’s Epic label-free technology, as well as absorbance, fluorescence intensity, luminescence and PerkinElmer’s Alpha technology.

Achim von Leoprechting, vice president and general manager, Imaging and Detection Technologies, said the combination of labeled and label-free technology was chosen because of the increasing interest in translational research. Corning’s Epic technology can identify and characterize molecules that conventional label-based technology cannot. Label-free detection can be applied to all major classes of drug targets, allowing for more research applications. Mr. von Leoprechting said that the majority of current Epic users are implementing label-free for their work with GPCRs, so PerkinElmer expects similar usage with GPCRs with the EnSpire Multimode Plate Reader. The Epic technique competes most closely with impedance-based systems, which require higher cell density and longer preparation time, which is time consuming and expensive, according to Mr. von Leoprechting.

The price of the EnSpire depends on the configuration. A full upgrade of the modular system costs about $100,000. The product is set to begin shipping in February.