Micro-volume UV/Vis Spectrophotometer is an indispensable routine analytical instrument of any laboratory. This guide introduces the principles of Micro-volume UV/Vis Spectrophotometer and provides recommendations and references on application considerations, comparisons and selection of suitable product.
Table of contents
Table of contents
Micro-volume UV/Vis Spectrophotometer is used for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of samples at the ultraviolet and visible light spectrum (usually between 190 to 780nm). It operates by passing light through the sample solution at specific wavelengths. Since different samples have different light absorbance, we can quantify the concentration of the sample solution by measuring the absorbance and calculate with formula. The Micro-volume UV/Vis Spectrophotometer is an essential part of a laboratory, and is often used in the quantification of nucleic acids and proteins and measuring the concentration of bacterial growth.
It can be a daunting task to choose the most suitable micro-volume UV/Vis Spectrophotometer from a myriad of commercially available models. There are two common types of spectrophotometers: one is purely used in micro volume detection, the other has greater flexibility in detection as it can offer micro-volume and cuvette measurement.
Know your needs before choosing the right model. The most basic questions to ask include:
The common sample types are described in the following table:
Sample Type | Range of Minimum Sample Volume | Wavelength of Test Absorbance | Sample Measurement Mode |
---|---|---|---|
Nucleic acids | 1 -2 μL | 260 nm | Micro-volume |
Proteins | 1 -2 μL | 280 nm | Micro-volume |
Bacterial solution | 1 mL | 600 nm | Cuvette |
Measurement of red wine quality | 1 mL | 420. 520. 620 nm | Cuvette |
Environmental and food samples | 1 mL | Based on the needs of experiments | Cuvette |
Chemical samples | 1 mL | Based on the needs of experiments. Can scan with the whole spectrum if unknown | Micro-volume/Cuvette |
For laboratories that only conduct quantification research on nucleic acids or proteins, a micro-volume model will satisfy most experimental needs. However, if more complex applications are possible in the future, then it may be more advantageous to choose a spectrophotometer that can process micro-volume and lMeasurement of nucleic acids and proteins (A260, A280): Comprehensive Nucleic Acid Quality Control: Total Solutions for Molecular Experiment Issues Measurement of bacterial growth (OD600): OD600 Measurement: A Key Technique in the Microbiology Laboratoryarge scale samples at the same time.
In addition, you should also consider functional needs, ease of use and maintenance requirements:
Many organic samples are temperature-sensitive which will affect the speed of reaction and precision of results, such as the study on enzyme kinetics; when processing samples with high viscosity or easily clumped (like medicinal powders), a model with stirring functions to keep the samples stirred and dispersed may be desired.
Is the instrument easy to operate? Can the instrument connect directly to a computer or operated independently? Does it have USB data storage function? Don’t forget to consider costs related to subsequent maintenance.
To satisfy the needs of researchers on operating micro-volume UV/Vis spectrophotometer, the EzDrop series of Micro-Volume UV/Vis Spectrophotometers developed by Blue-Ray Biotech have the following advantages:
The EzDrop series makes your research broader, faster, more precise and easier!
Related Post: