Biochrom BioDrop μLite+ Ultra-Micro Spectrophotometer

Overview

The Biochrom BioDrop μLite+ Ultra-Micro Spectrophotometer is a dedicated UV-Vis microvolume spectrophotometer engineered for rapid, precise nucleic acid and protein quantification using as little as 0.5 µL of sample. It operates on the principle of fixed-pathlength absorbance measurement—eliminating moving parts and optical path variability through a permanently calibrated 0.5 mm integrated sampling point. This architecture ensures high reproducibility (wavelength repeatability ±1 nm; absorbance repeatability ±0.003 A in 0–0.5 A range) and traceable accuracy compliant with ISO 8466-1 and ASTM E275 for spectrophotometric performance validation. Designed specifically for life science laboratories performing routine QC in molecular biology, biopharma upstream processing, and academic core facilities, the μLite+ delivers robust performance without requiring external calibration standards or daily alignment procedures.

Key Features

• Fixed 0.5 mm pathlength sampling point—no mechanical adjustment, no pathlength error, <±5 µm tolerance ensuring consistent Beer-Lambert law application
• High-intensity pulsed xenon lamp (3-year warranty) enabling full-spectrum acquisition from 190–1100 nm in under 2 seconds
• 1024-pixel CCD linear array detector optimized for low-noise signal capture (RMS noise: 0.002 A; peak-to-peak noise: 0.005 A)
• 7-inch capacitive color touchscreen interface with intuitive tap-driven workflow—DNA measurement achievable in ≤4 screen taps and <4 seconds post-sample loading
• Onboard analysis methods preconfigured for dsDNA, ssDNA, RNA, oligonucleotides, fluorescent dyes (e.g., Qubit-compatible assays), protein A₂₈₀/A₂₆₀ ratio, and melting temperature (T_m) estimation
• Stray light <0.5% T at 220 nm and 340 nm (measured per ISO 9022-13 using NaNO₂ solution), supporting accurate low-concentration detection down to 1 ng/µL dsDNA
• USB-A port for direct data export to USB flash drives or tethered PC control via Biochrom Resolution software

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The μLite+ accommodates viscous, particulate-containing, and detergent-laden samples—including crude lysates, column eluates, and purified PCR products—without capillary clogging or surface tension artifacts. Its hydrophobic quartz sampling surface resists carryover and enables complete removal of residual sample with a single lint-free wipe. All onboard calculations adhere to internationally accepted extinction coefficient conventions (e.g., 50 µg/mL for dsDNA at 260 nm). The instrument supports GLP/GMP workflows via optional audit-trail-enabled Resolution software (21 CFR Part 11 compliant when deployed with validated IT infrastructure). CE marking, IEC 61010-1 safety certification, and RoHS compliance are factory-certified.

Software & Data Management

Biochrom Resolution software (included) provides advanced spectral deconvolution, baseline correction, batch report generation, and customizable method templates exportable across instruments. On-device storage retains ≥1,000 measurements with timestamp, user ID, and method metadata. Data files are saved in CSV and XML formats compatible with LIMS integration (e.g., LabVantage, STARLIMS). Language support includes English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese—enabling multilingual lab environments without reconfiguration. Optional thermal printer module enables immediate hard-copy documentation meeting internal QA requirements.

Applications

• Routine quantification and purity assessment (A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀, A₂₆₀/A₂₃₀) of extracted nucleic acids prior to NGS library prep or transfection
• Concentration verification of synthetic oligos and CRISPR guide RNAs
• Direct UV quantification of untagged proteins in native buffers (e.g., PBS, Tris-HCl) without dye interference
• Verification of labeling efficiency for fluorophore-conjugated antibodies and probes
• High-throughput screening of expression yields in bacterial/yeast lysates during clone selection
• Educational use in undergraduate biochemistry labs due to operational simplicity and built-in curriculum-aligned protocols

FAQ

What is the minimum required sample volume for accurate measurement?
0.5 µL is sufficient for all standard nucleic acid and protein assays. Volumes >1.0 µL improve signal stability for highly dilute or low-absorbance samples.
Does the instrument require regular recalibration?
No. The fixed 0.5 mm pathlength and factory-calibrated xenon lamp eliminate need for user-performed wavelength or photometric calibration. Annual performance verification using NIST-traceable standards is recommended.
Can the μLite+ measure samples in high-detergent buffers such as RIPA or SDS-containing solutions?
Yes—the hydrophobic quartz surface minimizes wetting and carryover. However, thorough wiping between runs is essential for reproducible results in aggressive solvents.
Is the onboard software validated for regulated environments?
The embedded firmware is not individually 21 CFR Part 11 validated; however, Resolution software operating in networked mode with electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control meets FDA and EMA expectations when installed per Biochrom’s IQ/OQ documentation package.
How is stray light performance verified during manufacturing?
Each unit undergoes dual-wavelength sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) testing at 220 nm and 340 nm per ISO 9022-13. Stray light values are recorded in the Certificate of Conformance shipped with the instrument.