Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 1000 V3.7, ND-1000 User Manual

NanoDrop 1000 Spectrophotometer

V3.7 User’s Manual

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Revised 7/08

Table of Contents

1. Overview....................................................................................... 1-1

Instrument Description .................................................................. 1-1

Operation.......................................................................................1-1

Applications...................................................................................1-1

Patents .......................................................................................... 1-2

2. Initial Set Up.................................................................................2-1

Computer Requirements...............................................................2-1

Software Installation......................................................................2-1

Software Upgrades........................................................................ 2-2

Registering Your Instrument..........................................................2-3

3. General Operation....................................................................... 3-1

The Sample Retention System...................................................... 3-1

Cleaning the Sample Retention System........................................3-2

Software Architecture and Features.............................................. 3-4

User Preferences...........................................................................3-6

Utilities and Diagnostics................................................................ 3-7

Account Management ................................................................... 3-8

Dye/Chromophore Editor............................................................. 3-10

4. Common Module Functions....................................................... 4-1

Module Startup.............................................................................. 4-1

Common Functions....................................................................... 4-1

Measure (F1)................................................................................. 4-1

Blank (F3)...................................................................................... 4-1

Re-blank (F2).................................................................................4-2

Print Screen (F4)........................................................................... 4-3

Start Report / Recording................................................................ 4-3

Print Report (F5)............................................................................ 4-4

Show Report (F7).......................................................................... 4-4

Sample ID...................................................................................... 4-4

Sample # ....................................................................................... 4-5

Exit................................................................................................. 4-5

Escape Key (ESC)......................................................................... 4-5

Show Context Help (Ctrl+H).......................................................... 4-5

User’s Manual................................................................................ 4-5

5. Nucleic Acids............................................................................... 5-1

Sample Volume Requirements...................................................... 5-1

Measurement Concentration Range ............................................. 5-1

Spectrum Normalization................................................................ 5-3

Spectrum Overlay Control............................................................. 5-3

6. MicroArray.................................................................................... 6-1

Fluorescent Dye Selection ............................................................ 6-1

Sample Volume Requirements...................................................... 6-1

Measurement Concentration Range ............................................. 6-2

Baseline Calculation & Normalization........................................... 6-2

7. UV-VIS........................................................................................... 7-1

Sample Volume Requirements...................................................... 7-1

Measurement Concentration Range ............................................. 7-1

Unique Screen Features ............................................................... 7-1

8. Protein A280................................................................................. 8-1

Sample Volume Requirements...................................................... 8-1

Pedestal Reconditioning................................................................ 8-1

Measurement Concentration Range ............................................. 8-1

Unique Screen Features ............................................................... 8-2

Spectrum Normalization................................................................ 8-3

Spectrum Overlay Control............................................................. 8-4

9. Proteins & Labels........................................................................ 9-1

Fluorescent Dye Selection ............................................................ 9-1

Sample Volume Requirements...................................................... 9-1

Pedestal Reconditioning................................................................ 9-2

Measurement Concentration Range ............................................. 9-2

Unique Screen Features ............................................................... 9-2

Baseline Type................................................................................9-4

10. Protein BCA ............................................................................... 10-1

Sample Volume Requirements.................................................... 10-1

Pedestal Reconditioning.............................................................. 10-1

Measurement Concentration Range ........................................... 10-1

BCA Kits, Protocols, and Sample Preparation............................ 10-2

Unique Screen Features ............................................................. 10-2

Making BCA Measurements........................................................ 10-3

Standard Curve Features............................................................ 10-5

Delete Standard Points ............................................................... 10-5

Exiting the BCA Module .............................................................. 10-6

11. Protein Lowry............................................................................. 11-1

Sample Volume Requirements.................................................... 11-1

Pedestal Reconditioning.............................................................. 11-1

Measurement Concentration Range ........................................... 11-1

Modified Lowry Kits, Protocols, and Sample Preparation...........11-2

Unique Screen Features ............................................................. 11-2

Making Lowry Measurements ..................................................... 11-3

Standard Curve Features............................................................ 11-5

Delete Standard Points ............................................................... 11-5

Exiting the Lowry Module............................................................ 11-6

12. Protein Bradford........................................................................ 12-1

Sample Volume Requirement ..................................................... 12-1

Pedestal Reconditioning.............................................................. 12-1

Measurement Concentration Range ........................................... 12-2

Bradford Kits, Protocols, and Sample Preparation......................12-2

Unique Screen Features ............................................................. 12-3

Making Bradford Protein Measurements..................................... 12-3

Standard Curve Features............................................................ 12-5

Delete Standard Points ............................................................... 12-6

Exiting the Bradford Module........................................................ 12-7

13. Protein Pierce 660 nm............................................................... 13-1

Unique Screen Features ............................................................. 13-1

Making Pierce 660 nm Protein Measurements........................... 13-2

Standard Curve Features............................................................ 13-4

Delete Standard Points ............................................................... 13-5

14. Cell Cultures .............................................................................. 14-1

Sample Size Requirements.........................................................14-2

Cell Suspension Concentrations.................................................14-2

Sample Homogeneity..................................................................14-2

Decontamination of Measurement Pedestals ............................. 14-2

15. Archived Data and Data Viewer ............................................... 15-1

Archive File Creation...................................................................15-1

Data Storage Hierarchy...............................................................15-2

Data Viewer................................................................................. 15-2

Archive File Converter................................................................. 15-9

Opening Archived Data with Spreadsheet Programs................15-10

16. Calibration Check...................................................................... 16-1

Procedure.................................................................................... 16-1

17. Troubleshooting ........................................................................ 17-1

Error USB2000............................................................................17-1

Connection Error ......................................................................... 17-2

Signal Error.................................................................................. 17-4

Saturated Detector ...................................................................... 17-5

Liquid Column Breakage............................................................. 17-6

Other Software Error Messages.................................................. 17-8

Sample Accuracy and Reproducibility....................................... 17-10

260/280 Ratio............................................................................ 17-11

Unusual Spectrum.....................................................................17-13

Technical Support......................................................................17-13

18. Maintenance and Warranty.......................................................18-1

Cleaning ...................................................................................... 18-1

Calibration ................................................................................... 18-1

Warranty...................................................................................... 18-2

19. Appendices ................................................................................ 19-1

Instrument Specifications............................................................ 19-1

Blanking and Absorbance Calculations....................................... 19-1

Concentration Calculation (Beer’s Law)......................................19-2

Solvent Compatibility................................................................... 19-3

Decontamination of Measurement & Optical Surfaces............... 19-3

Setting Up a Dymo 400 Label Writer Printer............................... 19-3

Section 1- Overview

1. Overview

Instrument Description

The Thermo Scientific NanoDrop™ 1000 Spectrophotometer
measures 1 ul samples with high accuracy and reproducibility. The full
spectrum (220nm-750nm) spectrophotometer utilizes a patented
sample retention technology that employs surface tension alone to
hold the sample in place. This eliminates the need for cumbersome
cuvettes and other sample containment devices and allows for clean
up in seconds. In addition, the NanoDrop 1000 Spectrophotometer
has the capability to measure highly concentrated samples without
dilution (50X higher concentration than the samples measured by a
standard cuvette spectrophotometer).

Operation

A 1 ul sample is pipetted onto the end of a fiber optic cable (the
receiving fiber). A second fiber optic cable (the source fiber) is then
brought into contact with the liquid sample causing the liquid to bridge
the gap between the fiber optic ends. The gap is controlled to both
1mm and 0.2 mm paths. A pulsed xenon flash lamp provides the light
source and a spectrometer utilizing a linear CCD array is used to
analyze the light after passing through the sample. The instrument is
controlled by PC based software, and the data is logged in an archive
file on the PC.

Applications

UV/VIS spectrophotometry is simple for samples as small as 1 ul
using the NanoDrop 1000 Spectrophotometer. The small sample
requirement and ease of use make the NanoDrop 1000
Spectrophotometer ideally suited for measuring:

• Nucleic acid concentration and purity of nucleic acid samples up
to 3700 ng/ul (dsDNA) without dilution

• Fluorescent dye labeling density of nucleic acid microarray
samples

• Purified protein analysis (A280) up to 100 mg/ml (BSA)

• Expanded spectrum measurement and quantitation of fluorescent

dye labeled proteins, conjugates, and metalloproteins

• Bradford Assay analysis of protein

• BCA Assay analysis of protein

• Lowry Assay analysis of protein

• Pierce Protein 660 nm Protein Assay

• Cell density measurements

1-1

Section 1- Overview

• General UV-Vis spectrophotometry

Patents

The sample retention technology used in the NanoDrop 1000
Spectrophotometer is covered under US patents 6,628,382 and
6,809,826. Other patents are pending.

1-2

Section 2-Initial Set-up

2. Initial Set Up

Computer Requirements

The operating software will only run on an IBM compatible PC
meeting the below criteria. No Mac versions of the software are
currently available.

• Microsoft Windows XP or 2000 operating system.

Windows Vista has also been tested successfully with the

software.

The operating software is not compatible with Windows NT,

95, 98 or ME.

• 233 MHz or higher processor

• CD ROM drive

• 32 MB or more of RAM

• 40 MB of free hard disk space

• Open USB port (the instrument can only be connected via the

USB port)

• Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet program to manipulate
archived data (optional)

Software Installation

WARNING: The system software must be loaded onto the PC
before the USB cable is connected. Administrator access on the
PC is required to install the software.

To properly install the operating software:

1.

Close all programs and make sure that the USB cable is
unplugged.

2. Insert the ope rating softwa r e CD in the CD drive of the PC. The
software installation menu should appear automatically. If the
software menu does not appear, choose ‘My Computer‘ to view
the contents of the CD. Double click on the file named ‘nd­1000…install.exe’.

3. After softwar e installation, connect the USB cable and the Found
New Hardware Wizard should start as shown below. (Windo ws
XP SP2 operating system will ask to allow it to search the internet
for the proper software as shown- Select ‘No, not this time’).
Follow the prompts for automatic installation of the software.

2-1

Section 2-Initial Set-up

Intro Page: Windows XP- SP2 All Windows Operating

Systems

Your NanoDrop 1000 Spectrophotometer should now be ready for
operation. If the software does not start properly, refer to the
Troubleshooting Section for possible solutions.

Configuring the System Font

The software is designed to look best with the MS Sans Serif font, 8
point. To check that the system font is set to the proper selection:

1. Open the ‘Displays Pro perties’ by right clicking on the desktop
and select Properties

Æ

Appearance. (Additional step for

Windows XP: click on the ‘Advanced’ button).

2. From ‘item’ list select ‘icon’.

3. Select the ‘MS Sans Serif (western)’ font and select ‘8 point’ size.

4. Click OK.

Choosing an alternative font may result in some text being truncated
in the operating software window.

Software Upgrades

Periodic upgrades are made to the operating software and are
available for download. See our

website for the latest available

software version.

Cable Connections

To make measurements with the instrument, connect the USB cable
to instrument and the PC, plug in the 12V power supply and connect
to the power input at the back of the instrument.

Note: The power supply can remain plugged into the NanoDrop 1 000
Spectrophotometer while the instrument is not in use. When the unit
is in this “standby” mode, power consumption is ~1.5 W and the flash
lamp is not energized. Also, the instrument does not utilize a power

2-2

Section 2-Initial Set-up

switch or give a visual indication of the operability of the 12V power
supply.

Registering Your Instrument

Please register your product! We periodically update our software
and add new features free of charge. We would like to keep our user
list updated so that we may alert you to these updates and all
information supplied is completely confidential. You can register your
instrument on our

website.

2-3

Section 3-General Operation

3. General Operation

The Sample Retention System
Basic Use

The main steps for using the sample retention system are listed
below:

1. With the sampling arm open, pipette the sample onto the lower
measurement pedestal.

2. Close the sampling arm and
initiate a spectral measurement
using the operating software on the
PC. The sample column is
automatically drawn between the
upper and lower measurement
pedestals and the spectral
measurement made.

3-1

Section 3-General Operation

3. When the measurement is
complete, open the sampling
arm and wipe the sample from
both the upper and lower
pedestals using a soft
laboratory wipe. Simple wiping
prevents sample carryover in
successive measurements for
samples varying by more than
1000 fold in concentration. See
our

website for performance

data on sample carryover.

Cleaning the Sample Retention System

Wiping the sample from both the upper and lower pedestal s (as
shown above) upon completion of each sample measurem ent is
usually sufficient to prevent sample carryover and avoid residue
buildup. Although generally not necessary, 2 ul water aliquots can be
used to clean the measurement surfaces after particularly high
concentration samples to ensure no residual sample is retained on
either pedestal. After measuring a large number of samples, however,
it is recommended that the areas around the upper and lower
pedestals be cleaned thoroughly. This will prevent the wiping after
each measurement from carrying previous samples onto the
measurement pedestals and affecting low-level measurements. A
final cleaning of all surfaces with de-ionized water is also
recommended after the user’s last measurement. Note: Please do not
use a squirt bottle to apply de-ionized water.

Decontamination of Measurement Pedestals

If decontamination is necessary, a sanitizing solution, such as a 0.5%
solution of sodium hypochlorite (1:10 dilution of common commercial
bleach solutions – freshly prepared), can be used to ensure that no
biologically active material is present on the measurement pedestals.
The metal fiber optic fittings are made from 303 stainless steel and
are resistant to most common laboratory solvents (see “Solvent
Compatibility” appendix). Note: Please do not use a squirt bottle to
apply diluted bleach.

Pedestal Reconditioning

The Bradford reagent as well as other buffers containing surfactants
can “un-condition” the measurement pedestal surfaces so that the
liquid column does not form well with 1ul samples. If this occurs,

3-2

Section 3-General Operation

“buff” the measurement pedestal surfaces by rubbing each
measurement surface aggressively with a dry laboratory wipe 30-40
times. This will “re-condition” the surface allowing the liquid sample
column to form. Alternatively, use the NanoDrop Pedestal
Reconditioning Compound (PR-1) as a rapid means of reconditioning
the pedestals when the surface properties have been compromised
and liquid columns break during measurement. Additional information
about the PR-1 kit may be found on our

website.

Sample Size Requirements

Although sample size is not critical, it is essential that the liquid
column be formed so that the gap between the upper and lower
measurement pedestals is bridged with sample.

Field experience indicates that the following volumes are sufficient to
ensure reproducibility:

• Aqueous solutions of nucleic acids: 1 ul

• Purified protein: 2 ul

• Bradford, BCA or Lowry assay: 2 ul

• Microbial cell suspensions: 1-2 ul

It is best to use a precision pipettor (0-2 ul) with precision tips to
assure that sufficient sample (1-2 ul) is used. Lower precision
pipettors (0-10 ul and larger) are not as good at delivering 1 ul
volumes to the measurement pedestal. If you are unsure about your
sample characteristics or pipettor accuracy, a 2 ul sample is
recommended.

Sample Carryover

Prevention of sample being retained on the NanoDrop 1000
Spectrophotometer’s measurement pedestals is easily addressed.
Simple wiping of the upper and lower measurement pedestal with a
dry laboratory wipe is highly effective in eliminating carryover for
samples differing in concentration by as much as three orders of
magnitude (see our

website for sample data). This is possible since
each measurement pedestal is in actuality a highly polished end of a
fiber optic cable. There are no cracks or crevices for residual sam ple
to get trapped within.

Sample Homogeneity

Sampling from non-homogeneous solutions – particularly when u sing
small volumes – can cause significant deviations in the data
generated using all measurement technologies including

3-3

Section 3-General Operation

spectrophotometry. Genomic DNA, lambda DNA and viscous
solutions of highly concentrated nucleic acids are common examples
known to the molecular biologist. Proteins are subject to denaturation,
precipitation, and aggregation and therefore may requi re special
handling to ensure sample homogeneity.

Effect of Evaporation and Solvents

Evaporation of the sample during the measurement cycle usually has
just a minimal effect on absorbance readings and may result in a 1­2% increase in sample concentration. This can be observed in the
field by measuring the same sample successively over time. Highly
volatile solvents, such as hexane, will likely evaporate before the
measurement can be completed. Less volatile solvents such a s
DMSO can be used successfully.

Sample Recovery

One of the advantages of the sample retention system is that samples
can be recovered from the upper and lower measure m ent pedestals
by extraction with a pipette.

Software Architecture and Features
Main Menu

With the sampling arm in the down position, start the operating
software by selecting the following path:

Start

Æ

Programs Æ NanoDrop Æ ND-1000 (version)

3-4

Section 3-General Operation

Application Modules

The operating software has been tailored to meet the life scientist’s
needs. It includes the following application modules:

• Nucleic Acid – concentration and purity of nucleic acid

• MicroArray – dye incorporation concentration and purity of

nucleic acid

• UV-Vis – general UV-Vis measurements

• Cell Cultures – “absorbance” (light scattering) measurement of

suspended microbial cells

• Protein A280 – concentration and purity of purified protein

• Proteins & Labels – concentration of dye-labeled proteins,

conjugates, and metalloproteins

3-5

Section 3-General Operation

• Protein BCA – protein concentration using the BCA assay

• Protein Bradford – protein concentration using the Bradford

assay

• Protein Lowry – protein concentration using the Modified Lowry
assay

• Pierce 660 nm Protein Assay – protein concentration using the
new 660 nm assay

User Preferences

Each user has the option to configure a number of settings in the
various application modules. Some key preference options availab l e
for each of the User Preference tabs are as follows

• Archiving

In addition to the primary data storage of archive files at

c:\nanodrop data, users may elect to save their data to an
additional location. This option can be chosen under the
‘Archiving’ tab by selecting the ‘Duplicate data storage?’ box and
then choosing the file path by clicking on the file folder icon under
‘Duplicate Data Folder’. Save the alternative path by clicking on
the ‘Save and Exit’ button before exiting the User Preferences
module. The user may also elect to deselect an automatic prompt
to close the Data Viewer whenever a module is closed. The Data
Viewer must be closed if a different module is opened before data
can be reviewed.

• Reports

Users may choose the Auto Reporting feature which allows data to
automatically populate the report for all samples. To enable this
feature, select the Reports tab of Users Preferences and select the
box next to each application listed in the Auto Reporting area.
Save these preferences by selecting Save & Exit to close the
window.

Note: User preferences are stored in a ‘.log’ file. When upgrading
to a newer version of the software, this file should be preserved. If
after upgrading to a new software version the user preferences do
not appear correctly, the .log file should be manually copied to the
proper directory. See “Passwords. log’” for more detail.

• Nucleic Acids

The default setting is DNA-50. Other options include RNA-40,
ssDNA-33, and Other with a variable constant setting.

3-6

Section 3-General Operation

• UV/Vis

The default settings for the two cursors used to monitor specific
wavelengths are 300 nm for λ1 and 700 nm for λ2. The user may
elect to have the HiAbs on (automatic utilization of the 0.2 mm

path). An additional option is to elect to normalize the data and
spectra using the absorbance value of the wavelength between
400 nm and 700 with the lowest andabsorbance value.

• Microarray

The default setting is ssDNA-33 for the nucleic acid. The default
settings remain Dye 1 set to Cy3, Dye 2 set to Cy5, with
absorbance normalized to the absorbance value at 750nm.

Other options include RNA-40, ssDNA-33 and Other. There are
several hard-coded dye choices including common Alexa fluor
dyes. See the explanation of the Dye/Chromophore Editor later in
this section for information about adding custom dyes and
chromophores.

• A280

There are six sample type options available for purified protein
analysis and concentration measurement. The default setting is
Other protein (E1%). See Section 8 for additional information about
each sample type option. Note: Software versions 3.5.1 and higher
include the option to select whether or not to have the data and
spectrum normalized to the absorbance value at 340 nm.

• Proteins and Labels

There are six sample type options available for purified protein
analysis and concentration measurement. The default setting is
Other protein (E1%).

The user may also elect whether or not to use a bichromatic
normalization of the 280 nm absorbance value to the absorbance
value at 340 nm.

The default dye setting remains Dye 1 set to Cy3 with absorbance
normalized at 750nm.

Utilities and Diagnostics

This module is used to both confirm that the instrument is performing
within the pathlength calibration specifications and help troublesh oot
operational problems with the instrument. Note: The calibration check
utility is available in software versions 3.5.1 and higher.

3-7

Section 3-General Operation

For more information on using this module, refer to both Section 15
(Calibration Check) and Section 16 (Troubleshooting) of this manual.

Account Management

The Account Management module provides options for directing
where specific data files are archived by allowing users to segregate
their data into personal folders. The Account Management module is
accessible to the administrator only.

Account Types

There are three types of user accounts:

• Level 10- this is the highest security setting and all level 10 users

can add new users, modify a user, delete a user and set passwo rd
options. At the time of software installation, the only level 10
account is Administrator whose initial password is “nanodrop”. It is
strongly recommended that the password be changed after initial
account set up. Any user can be set to a level 10 access, although
this is not recommended (see Level 5). Note: The administrator (or
the last level 10 user) account may not be deleted.

• Level 5- this is the security setting recommended for an ordinary

user account. An account with this access will be password
protected and will be able to select specific user preferences. Also,
all data generated will be automatically archived to the user’s
account in C:\Nanodrop data (and the user specified location if that
preference is selected).

• Default (level 0 security) - this access level is reserv ed for the

Default account only. This account enables any user without an
account to access all the active software measurement modules.
Although it is not password protected, user preferences can be set

3-8

Section 3-General Operation

for this account. All data generated will be automatically archived to
the Default folder within the c:\Nanodrop Data folder. Note: For
laboratories requiring that every user have a unique user-account,
the administrator may disable the default user account.

Account Log-in/Log-out and Time Out

The user’s account will remain active until 1) a user logs out of his/her
account by using the pull down menu to select either Default or
another user name or 2) the user closes the software.

A user account may also be logged out automatically if the software
“System Idle Timeout” is exceeded. After 4 hours of inactivity the
software account will automatically revert back to the Default user. A
screen will appear indicating that the time is about to expire, with a
30-second countdown. If the user elects ‘CANCEL’, the clock with
reset and the user account and application module will remain active
for another 4 hours. If the time expires, the open application module
will close, returning to the Main Menu and the Default user.

Account Lockout

User-specific accounts can become locked out in several ways as
noted below:

• Failure to change password within the allotted time

• Incorrectly entering the password 99 consecutive times

• The administrator locks a specific account

Only the administrator (level 10) can unlock a locked account. This is
done by using the ‘Modify User’ entry in the Account Management
module. Note: All accounts (even the administrator) can be locked if
the incorrect password entry occurs as previously described.

Change Password

This module enables each user having an authorized account ID to
change their respective password.

Note: The administrator, using the ‘Options’ or the ‘Modify User’
entries in the ‘Account Management’ module, establishes whether
individual user passwords will expire and, if so, after how many days.

3-9

Section 3-General Operation

Passwords.log file

This file contains the User ID & password for all accounts and is
readable only by the software. It can be found in the c:\nanodrop
data\log files folder.

It is strongly recommended that the administrator
make a copy of that file and store it in the same log files folder as
above each time a new user account is added or a password is
changed. If the administrator’s account becomes locked, the up-to­date copy can be renamed and used as the password.log file.

Note: If upgrading from a previous version, the “passwords.log” and
“user preferences.log” files should be automatically copied to the
c:\NanoDrop Data\Log Files directory. If for some reason these files
are not copied automatically, they must be manually copied from the

C:\Program files\NanoDrop (version) to the C:\Program
files\NanoDrop (version) directory.

Dye/Chromophore Editor

The Dye/Chromophore Editor gives the user the ability to add their
own dyes or chromophores in addition to the predefined fluorescent
dyes available for use with the MicroArray and Proteins and Labels
modules. Note 1: Predefined dye methods are indicated by a
diamond and can’t be modified. Note 2: Absorbance contribution at
260 nm and 280 nm from the respective dye can be corrected by
entering the appropriate decimal correction % field. Refer to the dye
manufacturer to find the 260 nm and 280 nm % factor for dyes not
pre-defined in the Dye/Chromophore List.

3-10

Section 3-General Operation

Note: If upgrading from a version prior to 3.3, zero values (0) for 260
nm % and 280 nm % correction factors will be entered for all user
defined dyes.

3-11

Section 4-Common Module Functions

4. Common Module Functions

Module Startup

When the software starts, you should see this message:

For best results, ensure measur ement pedestal surfaces are
clean, load a water sample onto the lower measurement pedestal and
then click ‘OK’. The message “Initializing Spectrometer- please
wait” will appear. When this message disappears, the instrument will
be ready for use. All data taken will automatically be logged in the
appropriate archive file.

Common Functions

Measure (F1)

Each time a software module is opened (initiated), the Measure
button is inactive as noted by its “grayed-out” appearance. A blank
must first be measured before the Measure button will become active.

The Measure button is used to initiate the measurement sequence for
all samples (non-blanks). It is actuated by depressing the F1 key or
clicking the Measure button. The entire measurement cycle takes
approximately 10 seconds.

Blank (F3)

Before making a sample measurement, a blank must be measured
and stored (see “Blanking and Absorbance Calculations” in the
appendix for more details on absorbance calculations). After making
an initial blank measurement, a straight line will appear on the screen;
subsequent blanks will clear any sample spectrum and display a
straight line as shown in the following image:

4-1

Section 4-Common Module Functions

For the most consistent results, it is best to begin any measurement
session with a blanking cycle. This will assure the user that the
instrument is working properly and that the pedestal is clean. Follow
the steps below to perform a blanking cycle:

1. Load a blank sample (the buffer, solvent, or carrier liquid used
with your samples) onto the lower measurement pedestal and
lower the sampling arm into the ‘down’ position.

2. Click on the ‘B lank’ (F3) button.

3. When the me asurement is complete, wipe the blanking buffer
from both pedestals using a laboratory wipe.

4. Analyze an aliquot of the blanking solution as though it were a
sample. This is done using the ‘Measure’ button (F1). The result
should be a spectrum with a relatively flat baseline. Wipe the
blank from both measurement pedestal surfaces and repeat the
process until the spectrum is flat.

See “Blanking and Absorbance Calculations” in the appendix for more
information on blanking and absorbance calculations.

Re-blank (F2)

The Re-blanking option (F2) establishes a new reference (blank) that
is used for the absorbance calculations of subsequent samples.
However, unlike the Blank (F3) function, the Re-blank feature
recalculates the absorbance spectrum for the most recent sample and
displays this on the screen. When the Re-blank function is used, the
following message appears:

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Section 4-Common Module Functions

Print Screen (F4)

The ‘Print Screen’ button will print a copy of the current operating
screen to the default printer attached to the operating PC.

Note: The system is configured to work with the Dymo Label Writer
400 printing on #30256 [2-5/16” X 4”] shipping labels, but can print on
any printer connected to the PC.

Print Window

A Print dialogue can be initiated from the ‘File’ pull-down menu or by
typing ‘Ctrl+P’. The user can specify any connected printer from the
Print dialogue.

Saving Current Screen as .JPG Image

The current screen can be saved as a .jpg image file by selecting
‘Save Window’ from the ‘File’ pull down menu.

Start Report / Recording

The user can log measurement results in a report table and print
them to the desired printer. To initiate this feature, select the ‘Start
Report’ button. The default setting has the Recording feature
activated. Refer to Data Viewer in Section 14 for additional details.
Note: To override this feature, click on the ‘Recording’ button. Once
de-selected, the button will read Start Report.

When the specified maximum number of entries for that specific
report has been reached, there are 4 options: ‘Ignore’, ‘Save’, ‘Print’,
‘Save and Print’.

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Section 4-Common Module Functions

All data is stored in the archive file at C:\NanoDrop Data (and in a
duplicate location if selected in User Preferences).
Note: This feature can be set so that ‘Recording’ is the default mode.
See User Preferences in Section 3 for more information.

Print Report (F5)

Selecting the ‘Print Report’ (F5) button will print the existing sample
report to the default printer. It can be configured to clear the sample
report contents. The user also has options as to how the buffer is
handled. Refer to Data Viewer in Section 14 for additional
information. All data is stored in the archive file at C:\NanoDrop Data
and in a duplicate location if selected in User Preferences.

Note: The system is configured to work with the Dymo Label Writer
400 printing on #30256 [2-5/16” X 4”] shipping labels, but can print to
any printer connected to the PC.

Show Report (F7)

The user can display the entries comprising the current Sample
Report at any time by selecting the ‘Show Report’ button. This
function will enable the Data Viewer software described in Section 14.
Parameters specific for the individual application modules are
populated for each individual Sample ID.

Sample ID

The ‘Sample ID’ is highlighted for overtyping or barcode scanning.
The user may input a sample ID that will be used to identify the
measurement in a report print out and in the archived data file. The
sample ID entry is “key focused”, meaning it is the default selection on

4-4

Section 4-Common Module Functions

the screen and should have a flashing text cursor when the
instrument is waiting to make a new measurement.

Sample #

The ‘Sample #’ indicator is activated when a sample report is being
recorded. It indicates the sample number of the last sample
processed in the current report and increments with each su ccessive
measurement until the sample report is fully populated. The sample
buffer limit can be modified on the report page.

Exit

This command closes all application modules and supporting options.
After clicking the ‘Exit’ button, the user has 10 seconds to cancel the
exit command. If no action is taken within 10 seconds, the exit
command is carried out. Note: All measurement data is automatically
saved to an archive file and requires no user action.

Escape Key (ESC)

The escape key is set to exit out of all screens. Hitting the escape
key twice will log the user out of an application module.

Show Context Help (Ctrl+H)

Context Help is enabled in the Main Menu, all function modules, and
the application modules. The help feature is enabled by choosing
‘Show Context Help’ from the ‘Help’ menu pull down or by selecting
‘Ctrl+H’. Once enabled, placing the cursor on elements of the screen
will automatically generate an explanation of that element. Context
Help remains active until deselected.

User’s Manual

A .PDF version of this User’s Manual is accessible from the Main
Menu and from the Help menu in all of the application modules. It can
also be accessed by selecting from the Help pull down menu in any
application module or from Start Æ Programs Æ NanoDrop ÆND-

1000 (version).

4-5

Section 5- Nucleic Acids

5. Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acid samples can be readily ch ecked for concentration and
quality using the NanoDrop 1000 Spectrophotometer. To measure
nucleic acid samples select the ‘Nucleic Acid’ application module.

Sample Volume Requirements

Field experience has indicated that 1ul samples are sufficient to
ensure accurate and reproducible results when measuring aqueous
nucleic acid samples. However, if you are unsure about your sample
or your pipettor accuracy, a 1.5-2ul sample is recommended to
ensure that the liquid sample column is formed and the light path is
completely covered by sample.

Measurement Concentration Range

The NanoDrop 1000 Spectrophotometer will accurately measu re
dsDNA samples up to 3700 ng/ul without dilution. To do this, the
instrument automatically detects the high concentration and utilizes
the 0.2mm pathlength to calculate the absorbance.

Detection

Limit

(ng/ul)

Approx.

Upper Limit

(ng/ul)

Typical Reproducibility

(minimum 5 replicates)

(SD= ng/ul; CV= %)

2

3700 ng/ul

(dsDNA)

3000 (RNA)

2400 (ssDNA)

sample range 2-100 ng/ul: ± 2

ng/ul

sample range >100 ng/ul: ± 2%

Unique Screen Features

5-1

Section 5- Nucleic Acids

Sample Type: used to select the (color-keyed) type of nucleic acid
being measured. The user can select ‘DNA-50’ for dsDNA, ‘RNA-40’
for RNA, ‘ssDNA-33’ for single-stranded DNA, or ‘Other’ for other
nucleic acids. The default is DNA-50. If ‘Other’ is selected, the user
can select an analysis constant between15-150. When navigating
amongst the three general sample types within the Nucleic Acids
module, the last constant value entered within the ‘Constant’ sample
type will be retained. See the “Concentration Calculation (Beer’s
Law)” Appendix for more details on this calculation.

λ and Abs: the user selected wavelength and corresp onding
absorbance. The wavelength can be selected by moving the cursor
or using the up/down arrows to the right of the wavelength box. Note:
The user-selected wavelength and absorbance are not utilized in any
calculations.

A260 10 mm path: absorbance of the sample at 260 nm represented
as if measured with a conventional 10 mm path. Note: This is 10X the
absorbance actually measured using the 1 mm path length and 50X
the absorbance actually measured using the 0.2 mm path length.

A280 10 mm path: sample absorbance at 280 nm represented as if
measured with a conventional 10 mm path. Note: This is 10X the
absorbance actually measured using the 1 mm path length and 50X
the absorbance actually measured using the 0.2 mm path length.

260/280: ratio of sample absorbance at 260 and 280 nm. The ratio of
absorbance at 260 and 280 nm is used to assess the purity of DNA
and RNA. A ratio of ~1.8 is generally accepted as “pure” for DNA; a
ratio of ~2.0 is generally accepted as “pure” for RNA. If the ratio is

5-2

Section 5- Nucleic Acids

appreciably lower in either case, it may indicate the presence of
protein, phenol or other contaminants that absorb strongly at or near
280 nm. See “260/280 Ratio” in the Troubleshooting section for m ore
details on factors that can affect this ratio.

260/230: ratio of sample absorbance at 260 and 230 nm. This is a
secondary measure of nucleic acid purity. The 260/230 values for
“pure” nucleic acid are often higher than the respective 260/280
values. They are commonly in the range of 1.8-2.2. If the ratio is
appreciably lower, this may indicate the presence of co-purified
contaminants.

ng/ul: sample concentration in ng/ul based on absorbance at 260 nm
and the selected analysis constant. See the “Concentration
Calculation (Beer’s Law)” in the appendix for more details on this
calculation.

Spectrum Normalization

The baseline is automatically set to the absorbance value of the
sample at 340 nm, which should be very nearly zero absorbance. All
spectra are referenced off of this zero.

Spectrum Overlay Control

The user can display more than one spectrum in the same display
using this feature. The current sample plot will be displayed in bold
and previous plots will be distinguished by different colors as seen in
the following example:

5-3

Section 5- Nucleic Acids

The default option is set to clear the display for the next reading. The
user may set the overlay control to clear after each sample plot,
(default setting), after each new report, or accumulate plots until
prompted to clear. The ‘Clear Now’ setting will clear all current and
previous plots. When the overlay function is active, the software will
auto scale the y-axis based on the sample with the highest
absorbance at 260 nm. Note: When the overlay function is active, the
‘Blank’ function does not clear the existing overlaid sample spectra.

5-4