Thermo Fisher NanoDrop Lite Plus Ultra Micro Spectrophotometer (Domestically Manufactured in Shanghai)

Overview

The Thermo Fisher NanoDrop Lite Plus Ultra Micro Spectrophotometer is an engineered solution for rapid, accurate quantification and purity assessment of nucleic acids and proteins using microvolume UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy. Based on the principle of surface tension–mediated sample retention on a high-precision quartz optical pedestal, the instrument eliminates the need for cuvettes or capillary cells—enabling direct measurement of 1–2 µL native samples without dilution. It employs a xenon flash lamp light source and a CCD-based spectrometer with fixed-pathlength optics (1 mm effective pathlength), delivering reproducible absorbance measurements from 0.02 to 30 Abs across 190–850 nm. Designed for routine molecular biology workflows, the NanoDrop Lite Plus provides traceable, high-throughput analysis while maintaining compliance with laboratory quality standards applicable to academic teaching, preclinical research, and early-stage biotech development.

Key Features

• Microvolume sample requirement: 1–2 µL — preserves precious biological material and reduces reagent consumption
• High dynamic range: measures dsDNA up to 1,500 ng/µL, RNA up to 1,200 ng/µL, and BSA up to 45 mg/mL
• Integrated purity assessment: calculates A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ and A₂₆₀/A₂₃₀ ratios in real time for nucleic acid and protein integrity evaluation
• Touchscreen interface: standalone operation with no external PC required; intuitive icon-driven navigation optimized for novice and experienced users alike
• Onboard data management: stores the most recent 1,000 measurements locally; supports export via USB mass storage device (FAT32 formatted)
• Compact footprint and robust mechanical design: occupies < 0.02 m² of bench space; engineered for stability under variable ambient conditions typical of shared core facilities

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The NanoDrop Lite Plus accommodates a broad spectrum of biomolecular samples—including purified plasmid DNA, PCR amplicons, in vitro transcribed RNA, synthetic oligonucleotides, and denatured or native proteins—without requiring dilution or matrix-matched standards. Its pedestal-based measurement geometry ensures consistent pathlength and minimizes variability associated with liquid column height or meniscus effects. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 for accredited testing laboratories, the system supports GLP-aligned documentation practices through timestamped measurement records and user-defined sample IDs. Data export functionality enables integration into LIMS environments where raw absorbance spectra and calculated concentrations are subject to audit trails per institutional SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware includes preconfigured nucleic acid and protein quantitation methods compliant with standard reference protocols (e.g., Beer–Lambert law application at 260 nm for dsDNA, 280 nm for BSA). All measurements are automatically timestamped and tagged with operator ID (if enabled via optional network authentication). The USB export function outputs CSV files containing full spectral data (wavelength vs. absorbance), concentration values, purity ratios, and metadata—facilitating downstream statistical analysis in MATLAB, R, or Python-based bioinformatics pipelines. Optional thermal label printer compatibility allows generation of cryo-tube–compatible labels for sample tracking in ultra-low temperature storage systems.

Applications

• Academic instruction: used in undergraduate molecular biology labs to demonstrate spectrophotometric principles, nucleic acid quantification, and contamination detection
• Research core facilities: supports high-volume sample screening in genomics, transcriptomics, and CRISPR validation workflows
• Biotechnology startups: accelerates assay development and QC release testing during plasmid production, IVT RNA synthesis, and recombinant protein purification stages
• Quality control in diagnostic kit manufacturing: verifies input template integrity prior to qPCR or NGS library preparation steps

FAQ

Does the NanoDrop Lite Plus require calibration with NIST-traceable standards?
No routine recalibration is required; the instrument uses factory-characterized optical components and internal reference checks. Users may perform optional performance verification using supplied quartz slide and standardized dsDNA solutions.
Can the system measure samples with high absorbance beyond 30 Abs?
Measurements above 30 Abs exceed the linear dynamic range of the detector and are reported as “Over Range”; dilution is recommended for quantitative accuracy.
Is the software compatible with Windows, macOS, or Linux operating systems?
The NanoDrop Lite Plus operates independently of host computers; no OS-dependent drivers or software installation is needed for basic operation or data export.
What maintenance procedures are recommended for long-term optical stability?
Daily cleaning of the upper and lower pedestals with >99% isopropanol and lint-free wipes is advised; periodic inspection of pedestal alignment is included in annual service contracts offered by authorized distributors.
Does the instrument meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records?
While the device does not include built-in electronic signature or audit trail modules, exported CSV files can be archived within validated LIMS or ELN systems that comply with Part 11 controls.