Spectrophotometry
Spectrophotometry
Our facility houses one spectrophotometer, a Nanodrop One. Spectrophotometers are used to read the absorbance of liquid samples. Our Nanodrop requires only 1 or 2 µls of sample.
Spectrophotometry is often used to assess DNA or Protein concentration in a sample. The Nanodrop Spectrophotometer has software which will give the concentration of a DNA/RNA or Protein sample. It also has several other modes for specific protein assays or bacterial concentration. Below is an example of a DNA reading from the Nanodrop, as well as what each of the numbers mean.
DNA reading from the Nanodrop Spectrophotometer
Gives concentration of sample in ng/μl
260/230 ratio = Organic chemicals and solvent contamination
• Important to have this ratio above 1.6 for QPCR
260/280 ratio = Protein Contamination
• Ratios above 1.8 are considered pure
Additional Information:
• Nanodrop One Spectrophometer Page