Bio-Rad's SmartSpec™ 3000: the laboratory spectrophotometry solution combining reliability, simplicity and performance
The Bio-Rad SmartSpec™ 3000 spectrophotometer is a high-precision laboratory instrument designed for the quantification and analysis of biomolecules, particularly DNA, RNA and proteins. This model uses UV/Visible technology to provide absorbance measurements over a wide wavelength range, from 200 to 800 nm. The SmartSpec™ 3000 utilises a xenon flash lamp light source, known for its long life, fast start-up and ability to emit in both the UV and visible ranges. This source is coupled with a high-performance optical system incorporating a diffraction grating and a photodiode array, enabling fast, simultaneous acquisition of spectral data without moving mechanical parts, thus ensuring excellent reproducibility and stability of results.
The SmartSpec™ 3000 has been designed to make life easier for laboratory users, whether they are researchers, technicians or students. It offers a simple user interface via an integrated keyboard and a backlit LCD screen displaying options and data. It can perform six types of pre-programmed analyses: DNA/RNA assays (with A260/A280 and A260/A320 ratios), protein assays (Bradford, Lowry, BCA, UV), kinetic analyses, spectral scans, 600 nm measurements for bacterial growth (OD600) and multi-wavelength (λ) analyses. For each protocol, the user can adjust the parameters (molecule type, dilution factor, optical path length, extinction coefficient calculation method), perform replicate measurements, and generate comprehensive reports including standard deviations.
The SmartSpec™ 3000 also stands out for its ability to generate and record standard curves for quantitative assays, which can be recalled and named. It also has a built-in thermal printer for quick printing of results and an RS-232 serial port for connection to a computer or external printer, facilitating data integration into analysis software.
Thanks to its compact and robust design, the SmartSpec™ 3000 can be easily installed in any laboratory environment, provided that the temperature (20–35 °C), humidity (up to 95%) and cleanliness conditions are met. It also features a cuvette storage compartment, an easy-access door to the sample compartment, and a spring-loaded cuvette holder for optimal positioning.
This device is the tool of choice for laboratories looking for a reliable, fast and versatile spectrophotometry solution without compromising on analytical accuracy.
