UniCo UV-2802 Single-Beam Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer

Overview

The UniCo UV-2802 is a precision-engineered single-beam ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer designed for routine and research-grade quantitative and qualitative analysis in academic, pharmaceutical, environmental, and industrial laboratories. Operating on the principle of Beer-Lambert law-based absorbance measurement, the instrument employs a high-stability tungsten-halogen lamp for the visible range and a deuterium lamp for the UV region, coupled with a 1200 lines/mm holographic grating monochromator to deliver consistent spectral resolution across its full 190–1100 nm wavelength range. Its 1.8 nm spectral bandwidth ensures adequate resolution for most standard applications—including nucleic acid and protein quantification—while maintaining high optical throughput and signal-to-noise ratio. The system features automatic wavelength scanning, real-time baseline correction, and thermally stabilized optics to minimize drift during extended measurements.

Key Features

• Single-beam optical architecture optimized for stability, ease of maintenance, and cost-effective operation in regulated and non-regulated environments
• High-fidelity 320 × 240 graphical LCD display with intuitive menu navigation and real-time spectrum visualization
• Touch-sensitive keypad enabling rapid parameter entry, method recall, and function selection without mechanical wear
• Integrated USB interface supporting direct data export to USB flash drives—no external PC required for basic operation or report generation
• Onboard photometric modes: Fixed-wavelength absorbance/transmittance, wavelength scanning, multi-point kinetics (time-scan), quantitative analysis via linear and polynomial calibration curves, and pre-programmed DNA/protein assays (A260/A280 ratios, extinction coefficient-based concentration calculation)
• Thermally compensated optical bench and low-drift lamp power supply ensure ≤±0.002 A/h baseline stability at 500 nm after standard 30-minute warm-up

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UV-2802 accommodates standard 10 mm pathlength cuvettes—including supplied quartz (for UV work below 350 nm) and optical glass cells—and supports optional accessories such as variable-pathlength holders, micro-volume adapters, and temperature-controlled cell changers. All optical components comply with ISO 9001-manufactured quality control protocols. While the instrument does not include built-in audit trail or electronic signature functionality, its operational parameters and measurement logs can be exported in CSV format for manual inclusion in GLP/GMP documentation workflows. It meets key performance criteria referenced in ASTM E275, ISO 6060, and USP for spectrophotometric system suitability testing—including stray light verification (<0.05% T at 220 nm and 340 nm), wavelength accuracy (±0.3 nm), and photometric linearity (±0.002 A over 0–2.0 A range).

Software & Data Management

The included UniCo Advanced Spectroscopy Software (v3.x) enables full PC-based instrument control, advanced spectral processing (smoothing, derivative spectra, peak integration), and customizable report templates compliant with internal QA requirements. Data files are saved in native .uvd format and exportable to ASCII, Excel-compatible CSV, or PDF. The software supports 21 CFR Part 11-ready configurations when deployed on validated Windows systems—requiring third-party validation packages for electronic records and signature implementation. All measurement metadata (date/time stamp, operator ID, method name, lamp hours, calibration status) is embedded in exported files to support traceability.

Applications

• Quantitative determination of analytes in pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., assay of active ingredients per USP monographs)
• Enzyme kinetics monitoring via time-scan mode at defined wavelengths (e.g., NADH oxidation at 340 nm)
• Water quality analysis: nitrate, phosphate, and heavy metal complex quantification using colorimetric reagents
• Biomolecular characterization: dsDNA concentration (A260), purity assessment (A260/A280 and A260/A230), and protein quantitation (Bradford, Lowry, BCA)
• Chemical kinetics studies requiring high temporal resolution and photometric reproducibility
• Educational laboratory instruction for fundamental spectroscopic principles and analytical method development

FAQ

Is the UV-2802 compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
The hardware and firmware do not natively support electronic signatures or audit trails. However, when used with validated UniCo software on a controlled IT infrastructure—including user access controls, change management, and backup procedures—it may be incorporated into a Part 11-compliant workflow following site-specific validation.
What is the recommended warm-up time before performing calibrated measurements?
A minimum 30-minute warm-up period is required to achieve thermal equilibrium; baseline stability specifications (±0.002 A/h) assume this preconditioning step has been completed.
Can the instrument measure absorbance beyond 3.0 A?
The photometric range is specified from –0.3 to +3.0 A. Measurements above 3.0 A require sample dilution or use of reduced-pathlength cuvettes to maintain linearity and avoid detector saturation.
Does the system support GLP-compliant calibration logging?
Calibration parameters (wavelength, photometric, stray light) are stored internally and can be printed or exported. Full GLP traceability requires external documentation of calibration dates, standards used, and analyst identity—functions supported via the PC software’s reporting module.
Is a deuterium lamp replacement tool included?
No. Lamp replacement is performed by qualified service personnel; the instrument includes lamp usage hour tracking in its diagnostics menu to facilitate preventive maintenance scheduling.