Thermo Fisher Scientific uses Pittcon platform to launch the NanoDrop family of micro-volume spectroscopy instruments for simple UV-vis and fluorescence measurement in life science laboratories
The Thermo Scientific NanoDrop line of micro-volume spectroscopy systems makes its debut at Pittcon 2008.
These unique instruments utilise a patented technology that enables easy measurement of UV-vis and fluorescence without the use of cuvettes.
The NanoDrop family of products, recently acquired by Thermo Fisher, extends the company's molecular spectroscopy portfolio for increasing applications involving small sample volumes.
NanoDrop instruments eliminate cuvettes and associated dilutions, resulting in more reliable measurements.
An undiluted one-microlitre 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.
Such measurements are routinely needed for quality control and sample preparation at multiple process points in many applications, including microarray probe preparations, PCR template normalisation, small molecule crystallisation, sequencing, antibodies, microgenomics, proteomics, genotyping and Fret (fluorescence resonance energy transfer).
These applications are used in such diverse fields as cancer research, microbiology, drug discovery, forensics, histocompatibility and diagnostics.
"The micro-volume capability, unmatched speed, simplicity and reliability of these instruments enable researchers to employ spectrophotometric analysis in ways they never thought possible," said Ian Jardine, vice president of global research and development for Thermo Fisher Scientific.
"Because the hurdle for performing a measurement is substantially reduced, users have integrated the instruments into their workflow and can now make a greater number of measurements than ever before.
"This is leading to an increase in the overall quality of experimental data and a higher degree of confidence in the validity of conclusions".
As life science methods move toward progressively smaller sample volumes, efficient means of micro-analysis are essential in today's laboratory environment.
NanoDrop products meet this demand and enable scientists to perform microspectrophotometry and microfluorometry on minute sample volumes, conserving most of the precious sample for downstream applications.
The Thermo Scientific NanoDrop line of products includes:.
Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 1000 spectrophotometer.
The NanoDrop 1000 takes UV-Vis absorbance spectra of one-microlitre samples.
By using two different path lengths for each measurement cycle, it covers an extensive, dynamic range (2-3700ng/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 (eg, two pg dsDNA - the equivalent of that in a single cell).
In addition, it has operational simplicity comparable to less versatile instruments, making it less intimidating to investigators who have limited experience with fluorescence techniques.
