Berthold Technologies Centro XS³ LB 960 High Sensitivity Microplate Luminometer – Refurbished

The Berthold LB 960 Microplate Luminometer is a high-sensitivity laboratory instrument designed for measuring luminescence signals in microplate-based biochemical and life-science research applications. Manufactured by Berthold Technologies, this instrument is designed to support demanding laboratory assays that require sensitive detection, reliable measurements, and efficient sample analysis.

The Centro XS³ LB 960 is particularly suitable for laboratories working with luciferase reporter gene assays, ATP determination, cellular luminescence, and other bioluminescence-based applications. Furthermore, its specialized optical detection system is designed to provide low background signals and reduced cross-talk between microplate wells.

Berthold Centro XS³ LB 960 for Advanced Laboratory Research

The Berthold Centro XS³ LB 960 is a specialized microplate luminometer developed for sensitive luminescence detection. It uses a low-noise photomultiplier tube operating in single-photon-counting mode to detect light emitted during biochemical reactions.

This detection technology makes the instrument useful for experiments where accurate measurement of low-intensity luminescence signals is important. In addition, its optimized optical design helps reduce background interference and cross-talk, supporting reliable measurements across microplate wells.

The instrument supports luminescence-based assays in research laboratories, pharmaceutical facilities, biotechnology companies, and academic institutions. Consequently, it is a valuable laboratory instrument for researchers who require dedicated luminescence detection rather than conventional absorbance or fluorescence measurement.

High-Sensitivity Luminescence Detection

One of the important features of the Centro XS³ LB 960 is its high-sensitivity detection capability. According to manufacturer technical documentation, the XS³ version offers sensitivity below 1.5 amol ATP and below 1.5 zmol firefly luciferase under specified test conditions.

Moreover, the instrument features a dynamic range exceeding six orders of magnitude. Its optical design also incorporates cross-talk reduction to minimize interference between adjacent wells.

These capabilities make the Centro XS³ LB 960 particularly relevant for sensitive reporter gene assays and other applications where low-level light emission must be measured.

Microplate Measurement and Reagent Injection

The Berthold LB 960 is designed to work with compatible 96-well and 384-well microplates. This flexibility allows researchers to select an appropriate plate format according to their experimental requirements and instrument configuration.

The platform supports up to three independently controlled reagent injectors, depending on the installed configuration. These injectors use JET Injection technology and support adjustable dispensing volumes from 10 to 100 µL.

As a result, reagents can be introduced into samples during measurement workflows. This feature is especially useful for flash-type luminescence assays, where accurate reagent addition and measurement timing are important.

Additionally, the integrated shaking function offers three operating modes with variable amplitude and speed. This helps improve sample mixing and supports different assay procedures.

Applications of the Berthold Centro XS³ LB 960

The Berthold Centro XS³ LB 960 is suitable for several research applications involving luminescence detection.

These include:

• Luciferase reporter gene assays.
• ATP determination and cellular energy research.
• Bioluminescence-based biochemical assays.
• Chemiluminescence research applications.
• Cellular luminescence and kinetic measurements.
• Luminescent immunoassays.
• DNA probe assays.
• SNP determination.
• CALUX assays.
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology research.

The instrument is particularly relevant for Dual-Luciferase reporter gene applications. Its sensitivity and reagent injection capabilities support assay workflows that involve multiple reagents and time-dependent luminescence measurements.

Refurbished Berthold Centro XS³ LB 960

This Berthold LB 960 is offered in refurbished condition, providing laboratories with an alternative to purchasing a brand-new instrument.

Refurbished scientific equipment can be a cost-effective option for research facilities, universities, diagnostic research laboratories, and biotechnology organizations that need specialized analytical instruments within a controlled equipment budget.

The supplied photograph shows the instrument's exterior housing and manufacturer identification panel. However, its operational performance, installed accessories, software availability, and calibration status should be confirmed before purchase.

Buyers should also verify the availability of compatible computer hardware, control software, communication interfaces, and any required accessories.

2.2 Application of Product

The Berthold LB 960 is used in research laboratories for detecting and measuring light generated by biochemical reactions.

Its major applications include:

1. Luciferase Reporter Gene Assays: Used to measure reporter gene expression and study gene regulation.

2. ATP Determination: Suitable for ATP-based assays used in cellular energy and biological research.

3. Bioluminescence Assays: Measures light emitted through biological reactions.

4. Chemiluminescence Assays: Supports laboratory experiments involving chemically generated light.

5. Cellular Research: Used in luminescence-based studies involving cellular activity.

6. Pharmaceutical Research: Supports drug discovery and biochemical screening workflows.

7. Molecular Biology: Used for DNA probe assays and other luminescence-based research.

8. Immunoassays: Suitable for luminescent immunoassay applications.

9. CALUX Assays: Supports cell-based reporter assays.

10. Kinetic Measurements: Enables repeated and time-dependent luminescence measurements.

These applications are documented for the Centro XS³ platform and its associated assay configurations.

2.3 Features of Product

• High-sensitivity microplate luminometer.

• Low-noise photomultiplier tube detector.

• Single-photon-counting detection technology.

• Optimized optical detection system.

• Low background signal.

• Reduced cross-talk between microplate wells.

• Supports 96-well and 384-well microplates.

• Up to three independently controlled reagent injectors, depending on configuration.

• JET Injection technology.

• Adjustable reagent dispensing volume from 10–100 µL.

• Three integrated shaking modes.

• Variable shaking amplitude and speed.

• Supports flash-type and glow-type luminescence assays.

• Suitable for Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assays.

• Integral, kinetic and repeated measurement modes.

2.4 Technical Specifications of Product

The following specifications are taken from the manufacturer's Centro XS³ LB 960 technical brochure and operating documentation. Actual installed options should be checked against the refurbished instrument.