The landmark sale of the 15,000th Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 1000 instrument is yet another example of how this novel microsample spectrophotometer impacts the scientific community
Drexel University is the 15,000th purchaser of the Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 1000 UV/vis spectrophotometer.
The instrument will be used in a microbial source tracking project at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This groundbreaking instrument with its patented sample retention system has revolutionized how scientists use spectrophotometers, enabling them to quantitate biomolecules with the minimal consumption of sample (1ul).
Charles Haas, professor of environmental engineering, and Joanna Pope, doctoral candidate, are using the instrument for a microbial source tracking project at Drexel University, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Water Department.
This research uses genotypic methods to determine the sources of microbial contamination in surface waters in Philadelphia, with the aim of improving water quality.
The NanoDrop 1000 is used to quantify the concentration and purity of microbial DNA, prior to analysis.
PCR amplification is used to build a library of data from known host species, to which bacteria in the water are compared.
"We are proud and pleased to be part of such a landmark event," said Joanna Pope.
The versatility and elegant simplicity of the instrument has made the NanoDrop 1000 the undisputed leader in microsample absorbance analysis around the world, says Thermo.
As assays are continually being developed using smaller amounts of material, this instrument has provided the means of performing quality control steps that researchers would previously forgo due to the volumes required by traditional cuvette-based systems.
The use of the NanoDrop 1000 has translated into better process control as scientists have integrated the microsample system into a wide range of workflows -from microarray expression analysis to HLA typing for organ transplantation.
