Best Spectrophotometer for the Money

February 09, 2016

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Research
Laboratory Technician

Overall

Performance

Ease-of-Optimization

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Company:

Bio-Rad

Product Name:

SmartSpec 3000

Catalog Number:

1702525

Our lab quantifies protein levels in cell lysates regularly in order to standardize loading concentrations for Western Blots. We consistently rely on the Bio-Rad SmartSpec 3000 spectrophotometer in order to have gels that run evenly and cleanly. We've used this machine for years on end, and it's definitely one of the best spectrophotometers for the money.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

Spectrophotometry

Starting Material

Suspended Cell Lysates

Protocol Overview

Hit the Lambda button and enter the wavelength at which you'd like to measure. Ignore subtracting background readings - that's unnecessary. Blank the spectrophotometer using 1X Bradford reagent, then read your protein levels using a 1:1000 dilution of cell lysate in 1X Bradford Reagent.

Tips

Make sure that the cuvette is positioned correctly, and isn't off to the side at all.

Results Summary

I've performed a standard curve on this machine a handful of times, and its clean, crisp readings make it simple to do so. Repeated measurements of the same sample remain consistent, and the ease of use is great. We have used this spectrophotometer to determine protein concentrations in cell lysates for years, and it consistently demonstrates reliability and reproducibility for a range of concentrations. We've successfully used this spectrophotometer to measure DNA concentrations as well on more than one occasion.

Features Summary

Built-in Printer is helpful

Additional Notes

Make sure that the cuvette is positioned correctly each time!

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Summary

The Good

Convenience and reproducibility

The Bad

Finicky with high concentrations, issues situating cuvettes for measurements

The Bottom Line

For the money, this is the best spectrophotometer for all-around use. We've used it for years without any issue whatsoever in reliability, and it stands up well. I'd highly recommend that you try out the Bio-Rad SmartSpec 3000 Spectrophotometer if you're in the market for one.

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