Eight-Sample Spectrophotometer From NanoDrop Technologies Increases Throughput For Microvolume Measurements

NanoDrop Technologies, the recognized leader in spectrophotometric measurement of 1ul samples, today announced the introduction of the NanoDrop® ND-8000 8-Sample Spectrophotometer to its line of instruments. The new ND-8000, with the capacity to measure 8 samples concurrently, utilizes the company's patented technology that allows samples as small as 1ul to be measured without cuvettes or capillaries. The unique capability of the system allows even highly concentrated samples to be measured without performing dilutions.

Building on the success of the popular NanoDrop® ND-1000 Spectrophotometer, the newest product also helps address the efficiency and productivity issues within the laboratory. "Our customers have asked for an instrument that preserves all of the simplicity and ease-of-use features of the ND-1000 while providing higher throughput," says Lynne Kielhorn, Business Development Director at NanoDrop. "The ND-8000 provides a convenient way for our customers to process a complete 96-well microtitre plate in 5 minutes. NanoDrop is once again providing a tool that can reliably measure small volumes of precious samples, and now we also are providing a way to work with a larger number of samples," says Kielhorn.

Up to eight samples are loaded using an 8-channel pipettor. Each of the samples is assessed at two different path lengths to achieve an extensive dynamic range (e.g. 2ng/ul to 3700ng/ul dsDNA). Total sample-to-sample measurement cycle time is less than 30 seconds – including sample prep and loading, spectral reading, and wiping of the optical surfaces.

NanoDrop's family of instruments includes the NanoDrop® ND-3300 Fluorospectrometer, ND-1000 UV/VIS Spectrophotometer and now the ND-8000. All of the instruments are based on a unique cuvette-less technology that allows measurement of one microliter samples pipetted directly onto the fiber optic measurement surface. Once the upper surface contacts the sample, a liquid bridge forms and a spectral reading is taken. Cleaning simply requires wiping the sample off of the pedestals with an ordinary lab wipe. The microvolume, broad spectral output, small footprint and remarkable ease of use, make NanoDrop instruments ideal for today's research environment.

Researchers currently using absorbance plate readers will now be able to use the ND-8000 to conserve more of each precious sample. Investigators currently quantitating samples using fluorescent plate readers will now get direct and reproducible absorbance readings using the ND-8000 without sacrificing more sample. In addition, the company anticipates that researchers will improve data output by using the ND-8000 to perform quality control checks at critical points throughout complex workflows in ways they either could not or would not do with conventional spectrophotometers or plate readers. With a footprint of only 20 cm x 30 cm, the ND-8000 fits easily into today's space-limited laboratory environment.

NanoDrop Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation established in 2000, develops, manufactures and sells unique analytical instruments for bioresearch and testing. NanoDrop Technologies, Inc. holds exclusive rights to its patented sample retention technology. For more information, contact Lynne Kielhorn or Philippe Desjardins at 302-479-7707 or visit the Web site at www.nanodrop.com.

Source: NanoDrop Technologies