Description

A microvolume spectrophotometer is a laboratory instrument used to measure the concentration of nucleic acids, proteins, and other biomolecules in small sample volumes. The Microvolume Spectrophotometer is a compact, easy-to-use instrument that allows accurate and reliable measurements of samples as small as 0.5 µl.

Introduction

Traditional spectrophotometers require relatively large sample volumes, which can be problematic when working with precious or limited samples. Microvolume spectrophotometers have emerged as a solution to this problem, enabling researchers to measure small sample volumes with high accuracy and sensitivity.

Apparatus and equipment

The Microvolume Spectrophotometer is a stand-alone instrument that requires no additional software or computer connections. It has a built-in touchscreen interface for easy operation, and a range of measurement modes for measuring absorbance, concentration, purity, and more. The instrument is compatible with a range of sample types, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and microarrays.

Protocol

1. Turn on the instrument and allow it to warm up for at least 10 minutes.
2. Clean the sampling surface with a lint-free cloth or cotton swab.
3. Ensure that the instrument is set to the appropriate wavelength for your sample.
4. Place a drop of your sample onto the sampling surface.
5. Close the lid gently to avoid damaging the sampling surface or the drop.
6. Select the measurement mode (DNA, RNA, protein, or general mode) based on your sample type and concentration.
7. Enter the appropriate sample ID and concentration units (ng/μL or μg/mL).
8. Click “Measure” to initiate the measurement process.
9. Record the results, and repeat the process for multiple samples if necessary.
10. Clean the sampling surface with a lint-free cloth or cotton swab after each use.
    Notes:
11. Ensure that the sampling surface is clean and free of debris before each measurement to avoid inaccurate readings.
12. Microvolume spectrophotometers are designed to measure small sample volumes (1-2 μL) and may not be suitable for larger samples.

Literature Review

Microvolume spectrophotometers have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the fields of genomics and proteomics. They offer several advantages over traditional spectrophotometers, including the ability to measure small sample volumes, which reduces the risk of sample degradation, and the ability to measure multiple samples in a short amount of time. Several studies have also shown that microvolume spectrophotometers can provide more accurate and reliable measurements than traditional spectrophotometers.

Strengths

Microvolume spectrophotometer offers several strengths, including their compact size, easy-to-use interface, and high accuracy and sensitivity. The instrument is also compatible with a range of sample types, making it a versatile instrument for a wide range of applications.

Limitations

One limitation of the microvolume spectrophotometer is its sample volume range, which is limited to 0.5 µl to 10 µl. This may be problematic for researchers working with extremely small sample volumes or for those who require higher sample throughput. Additionally, the instrument’s touchscreen interface may not be ideal for all users, particularly those who prefer a traditional button-based interface.

Summary

The Microvolume Spectrophotometer is a compact, easy-to-use instrument that offers high accuracy and sensitivity for measuring nucleic acids, proteins, and other biomolecules in small sample volumes. While it has some limitations, it is a versatile instrument that is suitable for a wide range of applications in genomics and proteomics.

References

1. Cao Y, Liu Y, Chen L, et al. Comparison of a microvolume spectrophotometer and a conventional spectrophotometer for DNA quantification and purity analysis. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2012;13(2):94-100. doi:10.1631/jzus.B1100140
2. McHugh CA, Chen HH, Chow BY, et al. A microfluidic platform for the high-throughput screening of transfection reagents. Lab Chip. 2014;14(15):2823-2830. doi:10.1039/c4lc00146