Acquisition of an Agilent-BioTek Multimode Plate Reader

The purpose of this requirement is to acquire a microplate reader for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to support biochemical and biophysical analyses. The instrument measures absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence from samples in a multi-well plate format, enabling detection and quantification of biological molecules and cellular processes. The system supports high-throughput, automated workflows and includes temperature control, liquid handling capability, and adjustable optical settings for live-cell assays. The requested unit will replace an existing instrument that has become outdated and unreliable. The replacement system is compatible with existing laboratory software, allowing continuity of current experimental protocols and data analysis methods.

Justification: Microplate-based measurements are critical to research conducted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, including studies of metabolism, cellular function, and disease mechanisms such as obesity and diabetes. The current instrument lacks sufficient sensitivity for luminescence-based assays and does not meet the speed requirements for time-sensitive measurements, resulting in reduced data quality and efficiency. The replacement unit provides improved sensitivity and faster read speeds, directly addressing these limitations. The existing instrument is no longer supported under a service contract, increasing the risk of failure and potential disruption to ongoing federally funded research. Failure to acquire this instrument may result in suspension of critical experiments, delays in research progress, and increased costs associated with rework and equipment downtime.