Metash X-8S Touchscreen UV-Vis Spectrophotometer

Overview

The Metash X-8S Touchscreen UV-Vis Spectrophotometer is a high-performance pseudo-double-beam spectrophotometer engineered for precision quantitative and qualitative analysis across the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectral regions (190–1100 nm). Its optical architecture employs a stabilized pseudo-double-beam configuration—distinct from true double-beam systems—to compensate for source intensity drift and environmental fluctuations without requiring mechanical beam choppers. This design delivers high photometric stability and reproducibility while maintaining cost-effective serviceability and long-term calibration integrity. The instrument integrates a rigid 20 mm machined aluminum optical baseplate, isolating the entire light path from thermal expansion, humidity-induced stress, and mechanical vibration. All reflective optics are coated with SiO₂ protective layers to suppress degradation from ambient contaminants, directly contributing to its certified stray light performance of ≤0.03%T—critical for trace-level absorbance measurements in pharmaceutical QC and environmental monitoring.

Key Features

• Pseudo-double-beam optical system with real-time reference compensation for enhanced baseline stability and reduced photometric drift
• Five-step adjustable spectral bandwidth (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 5.0 nm) optimized for both narrow-peaked analytes (e.g., penicillin sodium/potassium) and broad absorption profiles
• Sealed optical chamber with SiO₂-coated mirrors and lenses, minimizing dust ingress and corrosion-related signal degradation
• Modular lamp design: plug-in deuterium and tungsten lamps replaceable in under 60 seconds using only two screws—no realignment required
• 10-inch multi-touch capacitive display (1024 × 600) with <3 ms response time, adjustable brightness, and glove-compatible operation
• Self-calibrating wavelength initialization at power-on, ensuring persistent wavelength accuracy (±0.3 nm) and repeatability (≤0.15 nm) without manual intervention
• Embedded microcontroller architecture enabling full standalone operation—including photometric, quantitative, kinetic, spectral scanning, multi-wavelength, and nucleic acid/protein assays—within a unified UI

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The X-8S supports standard 10 mm cuvettes and accommodates optional accessories including automatic 8-cell and 5-cell holders, temperature-controlled autosamplers (±0.1 °C stability), adjustable micro-volume adapters (down to 50 µL), integrating spheres (for diffuse reflectance/transmittance), and specular reflection modules. All hardware and firmware comply with fundamental requirements for regulated laboratory environments: data integrity safeguards (audit trail, electronic signatures, user role-based access control), timestamped event logging, and exportable raw data in CSV and XML formats. Software architecture adheres to principles aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO/IEC 17025, and EU GMP Annex 11—enabling validation documentation packages and audit readiness for pharmaceutical, clinical, and contract research laboratories.

Software & Data Management

Metash’s proprietary SpectraControl™ software operates natively on the onboard Linux-based platform and offers seamless dual-mode functionality: fully autonomous single-unit operation or networked PC integration via USB, Bluetooth, or optional Wi-Fi. Data management includes customizable file naming, batch export to USB mass storage devices, and direct printing to standard inkjet or laser printers (A4 format, vector-based report rendering). All measurement sessions are automatically timestamped and logged with operator ID, method parameters, and instrument status metadata. The system enforces data immutability post-acquisition and provides administrator-level tools for log review, report generation, and electronic signature workflows—fully supporting GLP and GMP documentation requirements.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical quality control: assay of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), dissolution testing, excipient compatibility studies, and stability-indicating methods per USP and
• Environmental analysis: quantification of nitrate, phosphate, COD, and heavy metal complexes (e.g., Cr(VI) diphenylcarbazide method) per EPA and ISO standards
• Biochemical research: DNA/RNA concentration and purity assessment (A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀, A₂₆₀/A₂₃₀ ratios), Bradford/Lowry protein assays, enzyme kinetics (e.g., NADH oxidation at 340 nm)
• Materials science: thin-film transmittance/absorbance profiling, semiconductor bandgap estimation, and nanoparticle plasmon resonance characterization
• Food and beverage testing: colorimetric determination of antioxidants (e.g., DPPH scavenging), preservative content (sorbates, benzoates), and pigment analysis (anthocyanins, carotenoids)

FAQ

Is the X-8S compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures?
Yes—the embedded software implements role-based user authentication, immutable audit trails, electronic signature capture, and secure data export protocols aligned with Part 11 technical controls.
Can the instrument perform kinetic measurements over extended time periods?
Yes—supports up to 999 data points per kinetic run with configurable sampling intervals (0.1 s to 60 min), ideal for enzymatic reaction monitoring and slow-release dissolution profiling.
What is the minimum sample volume supported with optional accessories?
With the adjustable micro-cuvette holder, the system accommodates volumes as low as 50 µL using 10 mm pathlength quartz cells.
Does the software support method transfer between standalone and PC-connected modes?
Yes—all methods, calibration curves, and measurement templates are synchronized bidirectionally via USB or wireless link without reconfiguration.
Are firmware updates provided free of charge during the warranty period?
Yes—Metash provides no-cost firmware revisions addressing bug fixes, regulatory enhancements, and minor feature expansions for 24 months post-purchase.