The Halo DNAmaster complements previous ranges of Halo spectrophotometers and plate readers. It is designed for measuring and analysing precious samples, requiring only microvolume quantities. It goes without saying that DNAmaster delivers reliability, precision and reproducibility.
The Halo DNAmaster is equipped with a comprehensive selection of on-board functions for versatility and is suitable for many life science applications involving nucleic acid, proteins and bacterial cultures.
The 90mm x 120 mm, colour LCD screen is touch sensitive with intuitively designed software for quick selection by sample type. Effortless step-by-step navigation and a virtual QWERTY keyboard provide fast and efficient input and analysis.
Data is displayed numerically and in a graphical format (where applicable) with the further option of direct printing or storage in an SD card. Master Report PC software is available for converting the settings and results into a report format (Microsoft® Excel is required).
The Halo DNAmaster is configured with onboard functions for the quantification of nucleic acids. Select the nucleic acid of choice such as double stranded DNA, single stranded DNA, RNA or oligonucleotides and absorbance measurements at the prescribed wavelength are directly converted into concentration units. The detection limit of the Halo DNAmaster is 6ng/μl (double stranded DNA), with optional 2mm cap of ultramicro cell.
The purity of nucleic acids can also be determined from ratio calculations such as A260 / A280 nm for protein contamination of DNA preparations.
Furthermore, The Halo DNAmaster can measure concentrations DNA, RNA and oligonucloetide – dye complexes.
The Halo DNAmaster measures protein concentrations from a range of colourimetric assays such as Bradford, Lowry, Biuret and BCA. In addition to numerical data the standard calibration curve can be displayed.
Furthermore, measure protein alone at 280nm or protein-dye complexes that absorb at different wavelengths.
The Halo DNAmaster also measures bacterial cell density at 600nm. Absorbance readings of approximately 0.4units define a bacterial culture in exponential growth phase and at the most appropriate time for harvest or induction.
At the touch of a button the Halo DNAmaster converts into a conventional spectrophotometer for use with either the Ultramicro cell or a standard 10mm optical path length quartz or glass cuvette. Perform single wavelength photometry in either absorbance or % transmittance mode including multiple wavelength photometry for up to 6 user-defined wavelengths in absorbance mode.
Other functions include wavelength scans, time scans for kinetic studies and concentration calculations from standard curves.
To ensure optimum instrument performance, a self-diagnostic function incorporating a number of parameters is executed each time the Halo DNAmaster is switched on, including a selectable GLP/GMP function. (Validation kit is required in some parameter.)
Dynamica considered every detail in the design of Halo DNAmaster, for example, the cuvette holder can be removed for washing and it is autoclavable for decontamination. Furthermore, a cover protects both the cuvette holder and the detector from dust and dirt when the unit is not in use. The side mounted cuvette rack is detachable for easy cleaning and a smaller footprint if bench space is at a premium.
The Ultramicro cell utilises fibre-optic technology and is designed for measuring and analysing extremely small volumes of DNA/RNA samples with high accuracy and outstanding reproducibility. In applications involving very high or very low DNA concentrations, a single light path is often insufficient, however the interchangeable cap of the Ultramicro cell imparts light paths of 1 mm and 0.2 mm respectively and effectively creates virtual dilutions to overcome such situations.
Other path lengths are available for different volume and concentration limits. A further function of the cap is to prevent the sample from drying up and to ensure that measurements remain reproducible since sample characteristics can be affected by evaporation of the solvent.
The DNAmaster temperature control model utilises a peltier regulated cell holder to control the sample temperature from a range of +20˚C to +95˚C (with ±0.5˚C precision). Predominantly designed for the determination of nucleic acid Tm (at 260nm) up to 4 heating profiles can be selected, including 1˚C/min, 2˚C/min or a quick heat mode for heating up to a plateau temperature of 50˚C at 5˚C/min before ramping commences at 1˚C/min or 2˚C/min.
The heated cell holder can also be used in other applications requiring incubation and/or keeping a sample at a constant temperature, such as during kinetic analyses.
Specification
Model | Halo DNAmaster |
---|---|
Lamp Source | Long Life Xenon Flash Lamp |
Detector Device | 2048 pixel CCD |
Wavelength Range | 200-900nm |
Measuring Range | 0-4.0 OD |
Wavelength Accuracy | +/-1nm |
Bandwidth | 4nm |
Noise | ~0.005 OD (RMS) |
Drift | ~0.005 OD |
Photometric Accuracy | +/-0.01 OD |
Photometric Repeatability | +/-0.005 OD |
Stray Light | 0.5%T |
Ultramicro Cell dsDNA Detection Limit (Depends on the Cap Used) | 13ng/μl (Standard cap) 6ng/μl (Optional cap) |
Ultramicro Cell Minimum Sample Volume (Depends on the Cap Used) | 0.7μl (Standard cap) 0.5μl (Optional cap) |
Start Up Melodies | Selectable from 7 types and mute |
Energy Saving Mode | Yes |
Memory Storage | Internal or SD card |
Result Storage | 40,000 (internal) Unlimited (SD Card) |
User-Defined Program Storage | 10 for each function |
Dimension W x D x H (mm) | 300 x 300 x 115 300 x 300 x 155 (TC model) |
Weight (kg) | 3.5kg 4.5kg (TC model) |
Power Requirement | 110 – 220 V, 50/60Hz |