With assays in microgenomics, proteomics and drug discovery requiring progressively smaller sample analysis, the instrument allows for sample conservation because of its ability to measure minute amounts of biomolecules.
Concentration can be determined for dsDNA using the PicoGeen Assay, Quant-iTDNA Assay, or Hoechst 33258 dye and for RNA using RiboGreen dye. Using Quant iT Protein assay kit, the concentration of proteins can be determined.
The ND-3300 is the next model up from NanoDrop Technologies' ND-1000 spectrophotometer, pushing the sensitivity of nucleic acids and microarray dyes beyond what is currently available. As little as two picograms or one ng/ml of dsDNA can be measured using a two microliter PicoGreen assay.
The NanoDrop ND-3300 Fluorospectrometer can also perform full spectrum fluorescent analysis of one microlitre samples without the use of cuvettes or capillaries. The instrument's patented sample retention system, first introduced with the NanoDrop ND-1000 Spectrophotometer, uses surface tension to hold the sample in place on the fiber optic measurement surface.
Through the unconventional use of a white LED in addition to commonly used UV and blue LED sources, a broad excitation range is achieved without cumbersome and costly filter changes.
This machine offers unique features that allow investigators to use fluorometry in valuable new ways. The instrument can provide benefits of measuring two picograms of DNA in a twomicroliter PicoGreen reaction.
Additional preconfigured software applications include FITC (fluorescein), Cy-AlexaFluor dyes, B-Phycoerythrin, Quinine Sulfate, Sulforhodamine and 4-MU. The method editor may be used to configure additional or custom fluorescent applications.
The ND-3300 system works by opening the apparatus arm and pipetting a 1-2ul droplet of sample onto the optical surface of the measurement pedestal. When the apparatus is closed, a liquid column is drawn between the measurement pedestal and the lever arm.
Surface tension alone holds the sample in place for the spectral measurement. Excitation occurs from one of three solid-state light-emitting diodes oriented 90 ° to the detector.
The unconventional use of the broad spectrum, longer wavelength white LED is enabled by the combination of uniquely clean optics of the retention system and proprietary signal processing.
Fluorescence emission is collected by the CCD array detector and the system software instantly displays the emission spectra (395-750nm) and calculated RFU of the sample. Once the measurement is complete, the researcher simply wipes the sample off with an ordinary lab wipe.
The NanoDrop ND-3300 Fluorospectrometer, is available from Nanodrop Technologies' website.