DNA Quantification
The Nanodrop 2000c UV/IV Spectrophotometer is housed within the DNA sequencing lab in D106, the device is used primarily for nucleic acid quantitation but also has other functionalities (check manufacturers website for full details).
Sample Retention Pedestal Measurements
A fibre optic cable (the receiving fibre) is embedded within this pedestal. A second fibre optic cable (the source fibre) is then brought into contact with the liquid sample causing the liquid to bridge the gap between the ends of the two fibres. A pulsed xenon flash lamp provides the light source and a spectrometer utilizing a linear CCD array analyses the light passing through the sample. The instrument is controlled by PC based software, and the data is stored in workbook files (*.twbk) on the PC.
Pedestal Sample Size Requirements
1μl volumes are usually sufficient for most sample measurements, increasing the sample size to 2μL will ensure proper column formation for samples with reduced surface tension.
The following volumes should be sufficient to ensure reproducibility:
- Aqueous solutions of nucleic acids: 1μl
- Purified protein: 2μl
- Bradford, BCA, Lowry or Protein Pierce 660nm assays: 2μl
- Microbial cell suspensions: 2μl
It is best to use a precision pipette (0-2 μl) with precision tips to ensure that sufficient sample (1-2μL) is delivered.
Lower precision pipettes (0-10 μl and larger) are not as good at delivering 1μL volumes to the measurement pedestal. If the user is unsure about the sample characteristics or pipette accuracy, a 2μL sample volume is recommended.
The Nanodrop is currently freely accessible without the need to book in advance. If users have large volumes of samples that they wish to quantitate we ask that they allow other users who only have 1 or 2 samples to use the device first.
Please note - We have a 'one in one out' policy in the lab regarding nanodrop usage. if someone is using the device please wait outside the lab until they have finished.