Lunatic Alternative – High-throughput UV/Vis spectroscopy without proprietary instruments or vendor lock-in
Comparable high-throughput for 96 samples—using the plate reader already in your lab
The Lunatic von Unchained Labs is a powerful system for microvolume UV/Vis quantification. The basic principle is compelling—but it requires a proprietary instrument and permanently ties the laboratory to a single supplier.
SpecPlate offers the same high-throughput approach: 96 samples in parallel, SLAS-compliant, and automatable. On the plate reader you already have in your lab—no need to purchase new equipment, no service contract, and no vendor lock-in.
How much the Lunatic system costs – beyond the list price
Significant instrument purchases
The Lunatic instrument costs tens of thousands of euros. Each workgroup and each location needs its own unit.
Proprietary consumables
Lunatic boards are available exclusively from Unchained Labs. Price negotiations are not possible.
Service dependency
Maintenance, calibration, and repairs must be performed by the manufacturer. Equipment failures can bring the entire workflow to a standstill.
Vendor lock-in
Once you invest in the Lunatic ecosystem, you’re locked in for the long term—with no competitive pressure on the provider.
Lunatic vs. SpecPlate
Direct comparison of the two high-throughput approaches:
When should you use SpecPlate?
SpecPlate is the better choice if:
- Instrument already available – no need to buy a new one
- Budget under €10,000 – Lunatic is not feasible
- Multiple locations – Plate can be shipped; no device per location
- Independence as requested by the supplier
- 4 replicas required per sample
- No risk of default – any compatible reader can be used
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Lunatic | SpecPlate |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument | Proprietary (tens of thousands of euros) | Available Plate reader Benefit |
| Sample quantity | 2 µl | 36 µl |
| Bioprocess consumables | Only Unchained Labs | Open market Benefit |
| Vendor lock-in | Complete | No Benefit |
| default risk | Workflow blocked | No risk of equipment failure Benefit |
| Meniscus defect | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Length of the route | fixed | fixed |
| SLAS confirm | Yes | Yes |
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 | Lunatic | SpecPlate |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument | Several tens of thousands of euros | €0 (pre-owned device) |
| Service Contract/Year | 10–15% of the purchase price | 0 € |
| Consumables | Only Unchained Labs | Open market |
| Costs/Measurement | Does not scale | Volume discount |
| Entry barrier | Very high | None |
Request a quote or order a sample
innoME GmbH · info@innome.de · +49 89 215 377 00
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SpecPlate as precise as the Lunatic?
The Lunatic achieves an accuracy of 2% and a precision of 1%. SpecPlate relies on the plate reader used. High-quality readers such as SPECTROstar or SpectraMax achieve comparable results.
The Lunatic requires only 2 µl – SpecPlate requires 36 µl. Is that a disadvantage?
If sample volume is not a limiting factor—which is the case for most genomic and biopharmaceutical workflows—this difference is practically irrelevant.
What happens if the Lunatic instrument breaks down?
If a device fails, the entire workflow comes to a halt. With SpecPlate, the workflow continues on any compatible plate reader – no single point of failure.
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.
Can SpecPlate be used in automated workflows?
Yes. SpecPlate is fully SLAS-compliant—compatible with all standard liquid handling systems that do not use proprietary interfaces.
Further comparisons and resources
All relevant pages about SpecPlate on innome.de:
German 
English