The Berthold OD260 refers to a spectrophotometric measurement technique used in nucleic acid quantification, specifically for DNA and RNA samples. The OD260 (optical density at 260 nm) measurement is a standard method for determining nucleic acid concentration and purity. Berthold Technologies, a renowned manufacturer of scientific instruments, offers highly sensitive microplate readers and spectrophotometers that enable precise OD260 readings for molecular biology applications.
Principle of OD260 Measurement
Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, absorb ultraviolet (UV) light at a wavelength of 260 nm due to the presence of purine and pyrimidine bases. The absorbance at 260 nm is directly proportional to the nucleic acid concentration in the sample.
The OD260 measurement Arrayhere commonly used alongside OD280 (absorbance at 280 nm) to assess sample purity. The OD260/OD280 ratio provides insight into protein contamination:
- A ratio of ~1.8 indicates pure DNA.
- A ratio of ~2.0 suggests pure RNA.
- Lower ratios indicate protein or phenol contamination.
Berthold Microplate Readers for OD260 Measurement
Berthold Technologies offers a range of high-performance microplate readers and spectrophotometers designed for precise absorbance measurements in nucleic acid quantification. These instruments are widely used in life sciences research, diagnostics, and biotechnology.
Key Features of Berthold OD260 Measurements:
- High Sensitivity and Accuracy
- Enables detection of low-concentration DNA and RNA samples.
- Ensures reproducible and reliable absorbance readings.
- Microvolume Capability
- Some models support low-volume sample measurement without the need for cuvettes, preserving valuable samples.
- Multi-Wavelength Detection
- Measures OD260, OD280, and OD230 for full spectral analysis of nucleic acid purity.
- User-Friendly Software
- Integrated data analysis tools simplify calculations for concentration and purity assessment.
- High Throughput Options
- Microplate-based systems allow simultaneous analysis of multiple samples, increasing efficiency in large-scale experiments