Technical Notes

Technical Note: #13 The Limitations of DNA Quantification Using DNA Binding Fluorescent Dyes For the quantification and the quality control of a nucleic acid sample, a UV/Vis spectroscopic reading at 260 nm is recommended to obtain concentration and purity of the specimen simultaneously (260/280 and 260/230 ratios) and without the need for tedious and error prone preparation steps or expensive consumables. All types of nucleic acids typically show a concentration absorbance peak around 260 nm, which can make it challenging to reliably distinguish between DNA and other types of nucleic acids using direct UV/Vis spectroscopy. Most extraction protocols used for daily routine applications are optimized to remove all unwanted fragments and nucleic acid types with appropriate purification steps. However, in case of potential insufficient purification or in rare cases… Download
Technical Note: #12 Best Practice for Nucleic Acid Quantifications Nucleic Acid quantification is an important step for many different life science protocols including those implemented for NGS, qPCR and several others. The NanoPhotometer® offers preprogrammed Nucleic Acid methods with options to measure all types of nucleic acids including dsDNA, ssDNA, RNA, miRNA, and Oligos, as well as the option to enter sequences for miRNAs and Oligos as a custom defined extinction coefficient for other types of nucleic acids. It is also possible to measure fluorescent labeled nucleic acids, e.g. as a quality control step during micro array workflows, via the absorbance maxima of the dye… Download
Technical Note: #11 Cleaning of the NanoPhotometer® Microvolume Measurement Head The microvolume measurement head of the NanoPhotometer® consists of scratch resistant quartz surfaces making it very easy to clean. In comparison to other technologies that are utilizing stainless steel, the inert NanoPhotometer® microvolume measurement head never needs to be reconditioned over the entire lifetime – even after the application of highly concentrated protein samples… Download
Technical Note: #10 Sample Control™ Measurements in a drop have become state-of-the-art and very simple to do over the past two decades, however, there are some areas where sample handling errors and/or contaminations may impact the quality of measurement results. With NanoPhotometer® Sample Control™, we have created a valuable tool to cover main areas of concern (air bubbles, insufficient cleaning and/or unwanted residuals, etc.) ensuring that researchers always can trust their readings… Download
Technical Note: #9 Bradford Assay in Microvolume Rapid and accurate estimation of protein concentration is essential in laboratory practice. Depending on the protein sample and buffers utilized, the optimal spectrophotometrical method should be performed. Direct protein UV measurements at 280 nm require pure proteins solved in buffers without absorbance… Download
Technical Note: #8 OD600 The growth of bacteria in liquid culture media is commonly monitored by measuring the optical density at 600 nm (OD600). OD600 measurements are typically used to determine the stage of growth of a bacterial culture, these measurements help ensure that cells are harvested at an optimum point that corresponds… Download
Technical Note: #7 Flexible Unit Control The NanoPhotometer® Family offers a unique range of nanovolume and/or cuvette UV/VIS spectrophotometers with flexible control options. All NanoPhotometer® models can be accessed and controlled by a variety of control devices. Download
Technical Note: #6 Data Management The NanoPhotometer® family of UV/Vis spectrophotometers provides a well-structured data management portfolio to store different kinds of file formats in dedicated folders on different devices. Download
Technical Note: #5 Protein UV Performance Data Proteins, the dynamic parts of living cells, are involved in nearly all metabolic pathways of cells (e.g. enzymatic reactions, immune protection, and cellular response). The measurement of protein concentrations is frequently used in life science research. Although there are many assays available, care should be taken to select the optimum assay for the particular sample type…. Download
Technical Note: #4 Nucleic Acids Performance Data Nucleic Acid quantification is an important step in many different life science protocols including those implemented for NGS, qPCR and many other areas. The NanoPhotometer® offers a preprogrammed Nucleic Acid method with options to measure all types of nucleic acids like dsDNA, ssDNA, RNA, miRNA, Oligo, options to enter sequences for miRNAs and Oligos as well as a custom defined extinction coefficient for other types of nucleic acids. Download
Technical Note: #3 Blank Control The blank measurement as the first step for all photometric measurements is the most critical part for accurate and reproducible sample readings. It is a prerequisite for all photometric measurements. This Technical Note gives useful information about the blank solution, blank quality and information about the unique Blank Control™ feature in the NPOS software. Download
Technical Note: #2 Sample Compression Technology The patented Sample Compression Technology™ is key to obtain reliable and accurate readings from ultra-low volume samples. With the contained microenvironment geometry, the instrument is optimized for reliable performance in all climate zones and also is ideal for challenging studies Download
Technical Note: #1 True Path Technology The unique True Path Technology™ is the key component of the NanoPhotometer® for precise path length setting. It provides accurate and linear results over the lifetime of the instrument without any need for recalibration…. Download

Application Notes

Reading an Accurate Blank – The Most Important Measurement of the Day Thomas Sahiri. Munich, Germany Blanking an instrument is a frequent process carried out by researchers in a wet lab numerous times and yet – the comprehension of what reading a Blank on an Implen NanoPhotometer® or any other high quality UV/Vis spectrophotometer does and how easy the Blank reading can be compromised… Download
Measuring Protein Concentration in Cell Lysates by Direct UV280 Absorbance in the NanoPhotometer® P330 Renee Hirte, PhD Implen, Inc. Westlake Village, CA The most rapid and reproducible method to determine protein concentration over a wide range is by measuring absorbance at 280 nm by spectrophotometry. Accomplishing this task in the past has often been met with the challenge of working with limited volume… Download