Greiner UV-Star Alternative – SpecPlate with 4 measurement points per sample and eliminated meniscus error
More data points, fewer measurement errors, up to 75% fewer consumables—using your existing plate reader
The Greiner UV-Star microplate is the established standard for UV/Vis measurements in a 96-well format. However, even flat-bottomed COC plates have a fundamental weakness: the meniscus. SpecPlate solves this problem with patented closed measurement chambers—and provides four independent measurement values per sample instead of just one.
Developed as a KIT spin-off, manufactured and distributed by innoME GmbH: SpecPlate is designed as a direct replacement for standard UV microplates—SLAS-compliant and compatible with all common plate readers.
The Limitations of Conventional UV Microplates
Meniscus defect
The meniscus at the liquid surface alters the effective path of light and causes systematic measurement errors.
One measurement point per sample
Each well yields exactly one measurement. No outliers are apparent. Replicates require a larger sample volume.
Evaporation
Open wells evaporate during extended measurement runs. The sample concentration gradually increases.
Volume-dependent path length
The path length depends on the volume of the sample—different sample volumes result in systematic errors.
Greiner UV-Star vs. SpecPlate
Direct comparison based on technical and practical criteria:
Applications
All UV/Vis assays where measurement accuracy is critical:
- DNA/RNA quantification at 260 nm
- Protein concentration at 280 nm and 205 nm
- A260/A280 Turbidity Ratio
- BCA and Bradford assays
- NGS sample preparation and QC
- Biopharmaceutical Quality Control
Comparison Table
| Criteria | UV-Star (COC) | SpecPlate |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement points/Sample | 1 | 4 Messkammern 4× |
| Meniscus defect | available | Eliminated Benefit |
| Evaporation protection | non | Complete Benefit |
| Interne Replikation | Not possible | 4 replicas, including Benefit |
| Length of the route | Volumenabhängig | fixed Benefit |
| Sample quantity | 25–370 µl | 36 µl |
| SLAS confirm | Yes | Yes |
| Bioprocess consumables | Baseline | Bis –75% |
Compatible plate reader
SpecPlate is compatible with any UV/Vis microplate reader that supports the standard 96-well SBS/SLAS format and measures in the 230–800 nm range:
BMG Labtech
SPECTROstar Nano, SPECTROstar Omega, CLARIOstar Plus, VANTAstar, PHERAstar FSX
Full spectrum 220–1000 nm, <1 sec/well.
Molecular Devices
SpectraMax ABS Plus, SpectraMax i3x, SpectraMax M2/M4/M5
190–1000 nm, 96–384 Well.
Agilent / BioTek
Epoch 2, Synergy H1, Synergy Neo2, Cytation 5
Widespread adoption in Germany.
Tecan
Spark, Infinite 200 PRO, Infinite F Nano
Standard practice at many German research institutions.
Thermo Fisher
Varioskan LUX, Multiskan SkyHigh, Multiskan FC
200–1,000 nm, proven in academic and clinical laboratories.
Not sure?
Please contact us with the model of your disc drive. We'll check compatibility for free.
→ info@innome.de
Price estimate
SpecPlate is designed as a disposable plate—no need to purchase instruments, no service fees.
- One plate: Price on application
- Volume discounts 10 or more plates
- Sample free of charge upon request
- Delivery from German warehouse
- Payment: Invoice within 30 days net
Cost Comparison
| Cost | UV-Star | SpecPlate |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument | Existing reader | Existing reader |
| Replicas required | External duplicates | 4 internal ports included |
| Trays for 96 samples | 1 (1 value per sample) | 1 (4 values per sample) |
| Meniscus repair | needed | not needed |
| Entry barrier | None | None |
Request a quote or order a sample
innoME GmbH · info@innome.de · +49 89 215 377 00
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SpecPlate a direct drop-in replacement for the Greiner UV-Star?
Yes. SpecPlate uses the same SLAS-compliant 96-well format and is compatible with the same plate readers. The only difference is the sample volume: 36 µl instead of 25–370 µl for the UV-Star.
What does “fixed path length” mean in SpecPlate?
With standard microplates, the path length depends on the volume added. With SpecPlate, the chamber is geometrically defined—the path length is constant regardless of the volume. This significantly improves reproducibility.
Why is the meniscus error particularly relevant in UV measurements?
UV absorption at 260/280 nm is systematically distorted by the meniscus. This effect is particularly pronounced in small volumes of less than 100 µl. SpecPlate eliminates it through fully enclosed measurement chambers.
Which disc drives are compatible?
All UV/Vis instruments with a measurement range of 230–800 nm and standard 96-well SBS/SLAS format. Compatible with BMG Labtech, Molecular Devices, BioTek/Agilent und Tecan.
Is SpecPlate more expensive than the Greiner UV-Star?
SpecPlate reduces overall plate consumption through internal 4-fold replication. Contact us for a customized cost comparison tailored to your workflow.
Further comparisons and resources
All relevant pages about SpecPlate on innome.de:
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English 
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