Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced patented technology designed to simplify the measurement UV-Vis and fluorescence without the use of cuvettes.
The NanoDrop line of micro-volume spectroscopy systems, which Thermo Fisher Scientific recently acquired, extends the company's molecular spectroscopy portfolio for increasing applications involving small sample volumes.
An undiluted one-microliter sample is pipetted directly onto the measurement surface. After a quick spectral reading, the sample is wiped away in preparation for the next. 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 Dr Ian Jardine, vice president of global research and development for TFS. "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. Thermo Scientific 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; Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 8000 Spectrophotometer, and Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer.
These products will be showcased at the Thermo Scientific booth 1741 and at the Fisher Scientific booth 1721 at PITTCON 2008 until 6 March in New Orleans, US.