The U-0080D Bio-spectrophotometer (Hitachi High-Technologies) is a diode array instrument with a built-in, comprehensive DNA/RNA application program. It can also be used as a standard spectrophotometer. Sample volumes as small as 1 microliter are quantitatively analyzed. The nucleic acid measurement package includes absorbance ratio (A260/280), purity and concentration measurements for RNA, ssDNA and dsDNA. Oligonucleotide molar concentrations can be calculated. Protein concentration is calculated using the Warburg-Christian method. A choice of background correction methods is provided. Using diode array detection, measurements are extremely rapid. An entire spectrum from the full 190-1100 nm wavelength range of the instrument can be scanned in just 0.05 seconds. The U-0800D can also be used for labeled DNA measurements. By calculating the concentration of unlabelled primer (oligomar) and primer labeled with a fluorescent dye, the instrument can be used to verify that the dye is bound to the primer in advance of DNA sequencing applications. The instrument offers wavelength scanning, time scanning and full quantitative analysis capabilities.
