The document describes the features and characteristics of the Cary 50 instrument, including its precision and reproducibility in microvolume analysis, as well as the applicable sample types and measurement limitations.
This document evaluates the performance of the Cary 50, Cary 300, and Cary 4000 spectrophotometers when used with the Hellma Traycell accessory for microvolume measurements. The investigation focuses on the accuracy and reproducibility of DNA quantitation in samples as small as 1-4 microliters.
The study compares the instruments' capabilities, noting that the Cary 50 is uniquely powerful for microvolume work due to its small beam geometry and high intensity flash source. The Cary 300 offers high precision with a large dynamic range, while the Cary 4000 provides the highest performance with true dual monochromation, allowing for the detection of sub-nanogram samples with minimal noise.
| Lower detection limit (Cary 50) | 1 ug/ul |
|---|---|
| Quantitation error (Cary 50 at 5 ug/ul) | about 3% |
| Maximum absorbance (Cary 300) | excess of 5 Abs |
| Open beam throughput (Cary 300 with Traycell) | 6% |
| Lower detection limit (Cary 4000) | 0.5 ug/ul ssDNA |
| Quantitation error (Cary 4000 at 0.5 ug/ul) | approx 10% |
| Noise on scan baselines (Cary 4000) | about 0.0001 Abs |
| Reliable quantitation limit (Cary 50 with Traycell) | 2-5ng/ul |
The lower detection limit for single-stranded DNA is in the order of 1 ug/ul.
Yes, the Cary 4000 can provide smooth scan data for nucleic acids down to sub nanogram samples in less than a microlitre.
Yes, the design of the Traycell prohibits evaporation and allows repeat readings to be taken, even with sub-microlitre samples.
At 5 ug/ul, the quantitation algorithm shows errors of only about 3%.