NanoDrop+8000+Spectrophotometer

=**media type="custom" key="22615522"NanoDrop 8000 Spectrophotometer**=

History of the original Spectrophotometer
The NanoDrop system offers an expansion over the original Spectrophotometer technique. The key individual tied to the creation of the original Spectrophotometer was a scientist that worked at the National Technologies Laboratory and his name was Arnold J. Beckman. He invented the Beckman DU Spectrophotometer in 1940. Technicians completed their analysis quickly and because of the decreased lag time the testing could be more accurately diagnosed. Prior to the Spectrophotometer results were likely to have only a 25 percent accuracy rate. After this invention, chemical analysis of the light intensity was more likely to show results at a 99.9 percent level of accuracy.

**NanoDrop 8000 Spectrophotometer**
The NanoDrop 8000 Spectrophotometer has several key features designed to provide accurate data in a short span of time. The Position Illuminator and the concentration range limiting function are just a few special features. This machine is a full-spectrum UV-Vis absorbance measuring device that can measure up to 8 samples at once. The Position Illuminator feature is used to assist the researcher as multiple samples are selected for processing. The NanoDrop 8000 is capable of measuring wavelengths as small as 1 nm and can be used to measure samples of protein for purity and concentration as well as for nucleic acid's purity and concentration levels.


 * Key Features **

A sample plate with 96 wells can be used in the Spectrophotometer as the eight-channel pipet draws 1 ul sample from the plate to measure and record the absorbance levels of 8 samples simultaneously. The samples are illuminated as the pipette draws the sample for measurement. The sample row is illuminated and the number of the row is depicted. This promotes good techniques and encourages accurate record keeping. The sample retention system is active and DNA, RNA, and protein material can be measured up to 1 uL. What is most exciting is that 96 samples can be measured within six minutes time.



The Nano 8000 is a tool that allows for absorbance data to be measured quickly and accurately. This includes features that allow for several samples to be selected for readings at one time, a 96 well sample plate and the elimination of cuvettes or capillaries increase the NanoDrop’s like-ability.


 * Distinctive features include its ability to individualize its functions **

Individualizing the machine's technique are important features. A technician can individualize the sample selection process. For example, the NanoDrop allows for manual column selection or for samples to be drawn on an automatic cycle. The technician can identify single or multiple samples to be ‘lit’ up. The samples that are lit will then be the next set to be processed and measured. Another feature that allows for individualization of the machines techniques include it’s recognition of measurement limits. A range of concentrations can be identified and set by a technician prior to measuring the samples. This will initiate the NanoDrop’s measurement limit feature that notifies the user if a sample’s concentration is out of range by lighting up its well.

Additional features include the USB port and memory functions that allow for data to be archived. The sample pedestal is made of stainless steel that is resistant to a sample contaminating after it is wiped clean. The FAQ on the Thermo website is an exceptional question and answer page. http://www.nanodrop.com/Productnd8000faq.aspx

Recent studies suggest that the NanoDrop 8000 Spectrophotometer will continue to be used for its accuracy and speed. For example a recent paper titled , //A NanoDrop-based method for rapid determination of viability decline in suspension cultures of animal cells// was used to determine the  decline phase of mammalian and insect cells. The results appear to depend on the NanoDrop's speed, as the authors described the results of the inverse relation of the beginning of cell decline and absorbance found using the NanoDrop 8000 Spectrophotometer.

Literature Cited

Labsynergy. 2011. History of a spectrophotmeter Labsynergy word press. http://labsynergy.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/history-of-spectrophotometer/

Michel, P. O., C. Degen, M. Hubert, L. Baldi, D.L. Hacker, and F.M. Wurm. (2012). A NanoDrop-based method for rapid determination of viability decline in suspension cultures of animal cells. Analytical Biochemistry.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 2013. NanoDrop products. Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 8000 Spectrophotometer. http://www.nanodrop.com/productnd8000overview.aspx