Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., introduced the Thermo Scientific NanoDrop line of micro-volume spectroscopy systems at PITTCON 2008. The instruments utilize a patented technology that enables easy measurement of UV-Vis and fluorescence without the use of cuvettes. The products extend the company’s molecular spectroscopy portfolio for increasing applications involving small sample volumes.
The instruments eliminate cuvettes and associated dilutions, resulting in more reliable measurements. An undiluted one-microliter sample is pipetted directly onto the measurement surface. After a quick spectral reading, the sample is simply wiped away in preparation for the next sample. The instruments are used to measure the quantity and purity of nucleic acids and proteins, as well as associated fluorescent labels.
The Thermo Scientific NanoDrop line of products includes:
Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 1000 Spectrophotometer: The NanoDrop 1000 takes UV-Vis absorbance spectra of one-microliter samples. By using two different path lengths for each measurement cycle, it covers an extensive, dynamic range (2 to 3700 ng/ul for dsDNA). This allows readings of samples up to 50 times higher in concentration than can be measured on classical one-cm cuvette-based systems, virtually eliminating the need to perform dilutions.
Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 8000 Spectrophotometer: The NanoDrop 8000 takes UV-Vis absorbance spectra of eight samples simultaneously, allowing researchers to work with larger numbers of samples in less time, while providing the overall capabilities of the NanoDrop 1000. An eight-channel pipette quickly dispenses the samples onto a linear array of pedestals. Researchers can measure 96 samples in less than six minutes and can perform quality control checks at critical control points throughout the workflow – in ways that are either difficult or not feasible using single-sample spectrophotometers or plate readers.
Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer: The NanoDrop 3300 performs broad spectrum fluorescent analysis with patent-pending technology that delivers a wide excitation range without requiring filter changes or a monochromator. The micro-volume capability lowers the fluorescent detection limit for sample mass by more than an order of magnitude over conventional fluorometers (e.g., two pg dsDNA – the equivalent of that in a single cell).
Filed Under: Drug Discovery
