Collection: Spectrophotometers & Fluorometers

UV absorbance at 260 nm counts every nucleic acid species plus UV-absorbing contaminants, so it can read severalfold higher than dye-based fluorometry, which binds dsDNA or RNA selectively. Quantify by fluorometry for sequencing and other input-sensitive applications; use A260 for fast concentration and purity screening.

An instrument that reads 1–2 µL directly on a pedestal — no cuvette — returning concentration with A260/A280 and A260/A230 ratios in seconds, which makes it the standard first check after nucleic acid extraction. Cuvette-based UV-Vis systems remain better for enzyme kinetics, colorimetric assays, and OD600 culture readings.

A260/A280 near 1.8 indicates pure DNA (around 2.0 for RNA); depressed values suggest protein or phenol carry-over. A260/A230 of roughly 2.0–2.2 is expected for clean preps, and low values point to salts, carbohydrates, or guanidine residues left from extraction.

Israeli researchers can source UV-Vis spectrophotometers and benchtop fluorometers through Danyel Biotech, with local demonstrations, service, and fast quotations — ask us which measurement approach best fits your samples.