Implen NanoPhotometer®, the most advanced microvolume UV/Vis spectrophotometer

Implen is a privately held corporation that is a leading supplier for spectroscopy instruments and consumables for the non-destructive analysis of ultra-low volume samples. The company focuses on biological, chemical, and pharmaceutical laboratories in industry and research. Implen has a strong focus on the customer, taking pride in providing quality products and a high level of customer service to achieve total customer satisfaction. In 2006 we launched the NanoPhotometer® product line to be the first to compete and spearhead the market with cuvette capability and a built-in computer in addition to the micro volume feature. The NanoPhotometer® today is the most trusted #1 alternative.

NanoPhotometer® Family Main Features

Implen Nano Vi-Vis Spectrophotometers, Microvolume Nanophotometers, #1 alternative, Main Features

Precision & Lifetime Accuracy Guaranteed

Since 2006 Implen has been pioneering and spearheading the UV/Vis microvolume spectroscopy market by continuously introducing new industry standards in the field. Implen was the first to offer:

  • Microvolume and cuvette option in one instrument
  • Stand-alone operation (built-in computer)
  • 21 CFR part 11 Compatibility
  • Full scan and analysis of 12 samples in 20 seconds
  • Maintenance and recalibration free operation
  • Ability to also measure organic solvents in a drop
  • Integrated blank and sample purity control (help to comply with MIQE guidelines for qPCR experiments)
  • Built-in vortex
  • Built-in Web Application Server with REST API for full integration in LIMS systems and lab networks
  • Mobility (battery option)

and more…

 

NanoPhotometer® Models

Compare to Alternative Technologies

Today thousands of users at universities, research institutions, government agencies, hospitals, biotech and pharma companies in more than 100 countries trust the Implen NanoPhotometer® every day with their precious samples in research, quality control and manufacturing for the main applications of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, Oligo), Protein UV, Protein Assays (Bradford/BCA), OD600 and sample purity (260/280 and 260/230 ratios).

More than 12,000 peer-reviewed scientific articles have been published citing the Implen NanoPhotometer®. A comparison between the NanoDrop™ One, the NanoPhotometer® NP80 and other technologies for the analysis of human genomic DNA and oligonucleotide samples can be found in the following publication from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) “Limitations of methods for measuring the concentration of human genomic DNA and oligonucleotide samples.”

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Video Transcript

Implen | Eton Bioscience Video Transcript

Tony Chen:
We love their service.

James Ho:
It’s been really helpful in terms of increasing our efficiency in our lab.

Tony Chen:
Everything worked out perfect. My name is Tony Chen, and I’m the founder of Eton Bioscience. I founded Eton Bioscience in 2003 and the focus at that time was Sanger DNA sequencing. So far we have four locations. We started in San Diego and three branches in the east coast. We measure thousands of DNA samples each day, and in the past we used NanoDrop™. There is one big thing we wanted to accomplish with the NanoDrop™, but we were unable to do, which is to connect a unit with our database so that when we measure the concentration of each sample, the data can be transmitted to our database directly and can be displayed on our order form directly. I was told by NanoDrop™ data, they didn’t provide such a function and they didn’t want to work with us. So I’m extremely happy that Implen wanted to work with us on this feature together. Took us three to four months and we finally accomplished this task.

James Ho:
Our IT team developed this page to basically record the concentrations that we’re getting from the NanoPhotometer onto our backend right here. Because of the API service that’s included on the NanoPhotometers that can get automatically transferred onto our order forms here, which we use in order to help with our techs when they’re doing their PCR assembly process.

Tony Chen:
So right now our process is a lot more efficient and all our technician’s lab is featured.

James Ho:
My name is James. I’m the lab manager here at Eton Bioscience for our Sequencing Department, and we make use of the NanoPhotometers that you guys at Implen have provided for us and they’ve been really helpful for us.

Tony Chen:
About two years ago I started to look around to find alternatives to NanoDrop™ and I found Implen. I don’t need to do any calibration to the machine and the pricing, and I couldn’t believe it.

James Ho:
Us being a service company, we do help out a lot of research labs, and the sheer volume of how many concentrations we have to do throughout the day, it doesn’t compare to how much more we’re able to do now with the n50 versus when we were using our old NanoDrop™ lights.

Tony Chen:
From then on, we purchased more and more NanoPhotometers from Implen. We are about to replace all our NanoDrops™ probably in this year. And right now we have about 13 to 15 units all together.

James Ho:
Having the option of being able to record eight or 12 readings at once. You know, basically running as if we have like eight or 12 N50’s at a time.

Tony Chen:
So it’s a big plus for our business.

James Ho:
Even just having the little idle animation just helps to bring a little bit of life to the lab as well. It’s silly, but like it is something just like, you know, in the mundane times in the lab, it’s just funny to look over, you know?

Compare to Alternative Technologies

Compare Single Channel Spectrophotometers

The table below demonstrates a comparison of the NanoDrop™ One/One C vs. our NanoPhotometer® line of spectrophotometers

Features NanoDrop™ One / One C Implen NanoPhotometer® N60/NP80
Instrument Performance
Minimum Sample Volume 1 µL
2 µl sample size is recommended for protein measurements
0.3 – 2 μL
Pathlength 0.03 – 1 mm
Auto-ranging
Utilizes two fixed path lengths 0.67 and 0.07 mm
Fixed path lengths never change over the lifetime of the instrument
Measurement Time 8 seconds 2.5 – 4 seconds
(full scan 200 – 900 nm)
Enclosed Sample Measurement Surfaces NO

Column is exposed to surroundings

YES
Enclosed sample measurement surfaces
No evaporation
Accurate results independent from environmental conditions
Ability to measure proteins with detergent buffers without sample build-up
Photometric Range Cuvette 0 – 1.5 A (with a 10 mm cuvette) 0 – 2.6 A
Analyze Organic Solvent Samples in a Drop Cuvette only The NanoPhotometer® Sample Compression Technology allows the analysis of organic solvent samples in a drop and in a cuvette
Detection Range* dsDNA: 2 – 27,500 ng/µl
BSA: 0.06 – 820 mg/ml
dsDNA: 1 – 16,500 ng/µl
BSA: 0.03 – 478 mg/ml
Optical Specifications
Measurement Wavelength Full scan from 190 – 850 nm Full scan from 200 – 900 nm
Illuminated Read Head N/A Illuminated read head for an easy sample application
Light Source Xenon Flash Lamp Xenon Flash Lamp
Instrument Features
Built-In Vortexter N/A YES
2,800 rpm; tube size up to 2.0 ml
Reconditioning-free NO

The pedestal of the instrument may become unconditioned over time, especially when measuring proteins or samples that contain surfactants or detergents. This requires reconditioning of the unit’s pedestal.

YES
Scratch-resistant inert quartz pedestal that requires no reconditioning
Quality Control Warnings Acclaro Technology with contaminant calculations Sample Control™: quality control technology identifies sample impurities, potential contaminants, turbidity and lint residue
Blank Control™: prevents inaccurate readings caused by high background blanks or insufficient cleaning
Built-in Web Application Server NO

Limited Android-based internal computer only

Full Web Application Server with REST API
21 CFR part 11 By external computer Stand-alone and by external computer
Processing Power, Compatibility, Data Processing
Operating System Android Linux based NPOS (NanoPhotometer Operating System)
Open platform to connect to Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS via web application interface
Internal Data Storage 32 GB 32 GB for storage of thousands of measurements
Software Compatibility Compatible with Windows only Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 (32 and 64 bit), Mac OS X, iOS and Android OS
Data Transfer and Connectivity Options The unit includes 3x USB A, Ethernet, Bluetooth, WiFi The unit includes 2x USB A, USB B, HDMI, Ethernet, WiFi
Data Output Separate as .csv .tsv .sql Complete data as PDF & Excel
Instrument Control The device can be connected to a computer via Ethernet cable for operation, control and data storage. Easy control of the NanoPhotometer is possible via Wi-Fi from tablets or smartphones (Android OS & iOS). Control from PCs via LAN, WiFi or USB (Windows & Mac). The HDMI port allows for presentations directly from the device.
WiFi Hotspot Client possible Built-in WiFi hotspot and with WiFi client capability
Instrument Dimensions 20 × 25.4 × 32.3 cm
(8 × 10 × 12.7 inches)
20 x 20 x 12 cm
(7.9 x 7.9 x 4.7 inches)

Compare Multi Channel Spectrophotometers: Nanodrop™ 8000 vs NanoPhotometer® N120

 

The table below demonstrates a comparison of the spectrophotometers 8-channel NanoDrop™ 8000 vs. 12-channel NanoPhotometer® N120

Features NanoDrop™ 8000 Implen NanoPhotometer® N120
Instrument Performance
Number of Samples Up to 8 Up to 12
Single sample mode available
Minimum Sample Volume 1 µL
2 µl sample size is recommended for protein measurements
2 – 3.5 μL
Pathlength 0.2 and 1 mm Utilizes two fixed path lengths 1 and 0.125 mm
Fixed path lengths never change over the lifetime of the instrument
Measurement Time Less than 20 seconds for 8 samples
(full scan 220 – 750 nm)
20 seconds for 12 samples
(full scan 200 – 900 nm)
Enclosed Sample Measurement Surfaces NO

Column is exposed to surroundings

YES
Enclosed sample measurement surfaces
No evaporation
Accurate results independent from environmental conditions
Ability to measure proteins with detergent buffers without sample build-up
Analyze Organic Solvent Samples in a Drop N/A The NanoPhotometer® Sample Compression Technology allows the analysis of organic solvent samples in a drop
Detection Range* dsDNA: 2.5 – 3,700 ng/µl
BSA: 0.15 – 100 mg/ml
dsDNA: 2 – 8,000 ng/µl
BSA: 0.06 – 230 mg/ml
Optical Specifications
Measurement Wavelength Full scan from 220 – 750 nm Full scan from 200 – 900 nm
Illuminated Read Head N/A Illuminated read head for an easy sample application
Light Source Xenon Flash Lamp Xenon Flash Lamp
Instrument Features
Quality Control Warnings N/A Sample Control™: quality control technology identifies sample impurities, potential contaminants, turbidity and lint residue
Blank Control™: prevents inaccurate readings caused by high background blanks or insufficient cleaning
Built-in Web Application Server N/A Full Web Application Server with REST API
21 CFR part 11 N/A Stand-alone and by external computer
Processing Power, Compatibility, Data Processing
Operating System N/A
Needs to be connected to a Windows computer
Linux based NPOS (NanoPhotometer Operating System)
Open platform to connect to Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS via web application interface
Onboard Processor N/A Built-in computer with high-performance Intel Celeron dual core 2.4 GHz processor
Internal Data Storage N/A 128 GB for storage of thousands of measurements
Software Compatibility Compatible with Windows only Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 (32 and 64 bit), Mac OS X, iOS and Android OS
Data Transfer and Connectivity Options USB The unit includes 2x USB A, USB B, HDMI, Ethernet, WiFi
Data Output Separate as .csv .tsv .sql Complete data as PDF & Excel
Instrument Control The device must be connected to a computer via USB cable for operation, control and data storage. Easy control of the NanoPhotometer is possible via Wi-Fi from tablets or smartphones (Android OS & iOS). Control from PCs via LAN, WiFi or USB (Windows & Mac). The HDMI port allows for presentations directly from the device.
WiFi Hotspot N/A Built-in WiFi hotspot and with WiFi client capability
Instrument Dimensions 24 × 32 cm
(9.4 × 12.6 inches)
20 x 20 x 12 cm
(7.9 x 7.9 x 4.7 inches)

Compare Multi Channel Spectrophotometers: Nanodrop™ Eight vs NanoPhotometer® N120

 

The table below demonstrates a comparison of the spectrophotometers 8-channel NanoDrop™ Eight vs. 12-channel NanoPhotometer® N120

Features NanoDrop™ Eight Implen NanoPhotometer® N120
Instrument Performance
Number of Samples Up to 8 Up to 12
Single sample mode available
Minimum Sample Volume 1 – 2 µL
2 µl sample size is recommended for protein measurements
2 – 3.5 μL
Pathlength 0.1, 0.2 and 1 mm Utilizes two fixed path lengths 1 and 0.125 mm
Fixed path lengths never change over the lifetime of the instrument
Measurement Time Less than 20 seconds for 8 samples
(full scan 190 – 850 nm)
20 seconds for 12 samples
(full scan 200 – 900 nm)
Enclosed Sample Measurement Surfaces NO

Column is exposed to surroundings

YES
Enclosed sample measurement surfaces
No evaporation
Accurate results independent from environmental conditions
Ability to measure proteins with detergent buffers without sample build-up
Analyze Organic Solvent Samples in a Drop N/A The NanoPhotometer® Sample Compression Technology allows the analysis of organic solvent samples in a drop
Detection Range* dsDNA: 2 – 10,000 ng/µl
BSA: 0.06 – 280 mg/ml
dsDNA: 2 – 8,000 ng/µl
BSA: 0.06 – 230 mg/ml
Optical Specifications
Measurement Wavelength Full scan from 190 – 850 nm Full scan from 200 – 900 nm
Illuminated Read Head N/A Illuminated read head for an easy sample application
Light Source Xenon Flash Lamp Xenon Flash Lamp
Instrument Features
Quality Control Warnings Acclaro Technology with contaminant calculations Sample Control™: quality control technology identifies sample impurities, potential contaminants, turbidity and lint residue
Blank Control™: prevents inaccurate readings caused by high background blanks or insufficient cleaning
Built-in Web Application Server N/A Full Web Application Server with REST API
21 CFR part 11 3g external computer Stand-alone and by external computer
Processing Power, Compatibility, Data Processing
Operating System N/A
Needs to be connected to a Windows computer
Linux based NPOS (NanoPhotometer Operating System)
Open platform to connect to Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS via web application interface
Onboard Processor N/A Built-in computer with high-performance Intel Celeron dual core 2.4 GHz processor
Internal Data Storage N/A 128 GB for storage of thousands of measurements
Software Compatibility Compatible with Windows only Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 (32 and 64 bit), Mac OS X, iOS and Android OS
Data Transfer and Connectivity Options USB The unit includes 2x USB A, USB B, HDMI, Ethernet, WiFi
Data Output Separate as .csv .tsv .sql Complete data as PDF & Excel
Instrument Control The device must be connected to a computer via USB cable for operation, control and data storage. Easy control of the NanoPhotometer is possible via Wi-Fi from tablets or smartphones (Android OS & iOS). Control from PCs via LAN, WiFi or USB (Windows & Mac). The HDMI port allows for presentations directly from the device.
WiFi Hotspot N/A Built-in WiFi hotspot and with WiFi client capability
Instrument Dimensions 24 × 33 cm
(9.4 × 13 inches)
20 x 20 x 12 cm
(7.9 x 7.9 x 4.7 inches)

* dsDNA tends to precipitate/coagulate at concentrations above 10,000 ng/µl and should be diluted.

NanoDrop™ and NanoDrop™ One are registered trademarks of Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Implen® is not affiliated, sponsored or endorsed by Thermo Fisher Scientific or NanoDrop™.

Implen’s Overcoming Limitations of Other Technologies

Have you experienced any of these difficulties with your current technology?

  • Inconsistent protein readings (caused by a drop rupture/low surface tension)
  • Instability of drops (caused by used up hydrophobic condition of pedestal)
  • Costly recalibration/maintenance or decreasing accuracy over time
  • Instrument’s service and support discontinued and software not compatible with Windows10 or Mac OS
  • Low reproducibility (mainly caused by evaporation effects)
  • Device cannot be cleaned with ethanol and/or operated under laminar flow
  • Getting results for more than 40 samples per run is time consuming
  • No user management/21 CFR part 11 compliant software available
  • Waited for weeks to get instrument repaired
other-technologies-instruments-difficulties

 

How about trying a device that overcomes all of these issues?

implen nanophotometers number one nanodrop alternatives N120 NP80 N60 C40

NanoPhotometer® Models    Request a Quote

Implen NanoPhotometers® Reviews

“Excellent design and is easy to use”

Rating: 5.0   ★★★★★

Application Area: Neurosciences

“The photometer has excellent design, and is easy to use. Built-in vortex is one of the smartest decisions I’ve seen in lab equipment. Data manipulaton and interface decrease hand-on time, and are user-friendly.”

Olga Starkina
Organization: Melsytech LLC, Russia

“Really impressed with the accuracy, ease of use, and increased sample throughput”

Rating: 5.0   ★★★★★

Application Area: DNA Analysis

“I’ve really been impressed with the accuracy, ease of use, and increased sample throughput with this instrument. All this in such a small and sleek black box. The touch screen interface is a nice feature and very straightforward. You can easily navigate through the applications, load templates, access and analyze your data. I like that you’re given the option to run up to 12 samples at a time but you can also choose to run 1 or 2 samples, customizable to your experiments. Having options is always a plus and you get that with the N120. The pipette guide makes it really easy to apply your samples. I can see that a lot of time, expertise, and careful considerations went into developing the NanoPhotometer.”

Nam Che
Organization: UCLA Department of Medicine, USA

“Accurate Measurements, Solid Device”

Rating: 5.0   ★★★★★

Application Area: DNA Concentration Quantification

“My lab does a lot of molecular cloning work for synthetic biology projects. For the longest time we didn’t have any reliable and simple way of quantifying DNA concentration. This device has been a a life saver. It is accurate (checked samples against other similar devices), easy to use, has lots of extra features that the competitors lack and is cheaper.
If you are just needing to quantify DNA concentration the N50 is a solid choice. But it comes with so many other features you’ll be left wondering how other manufacturers get away with charging more for less. Overall the device is very sturdy and produces accurate results. But beyond just the basics you can do protein and kinetics assays and more. The touchscreen is easy an intuitive. Results are saved directly to the machine as a pdf or spreadsheet and can be retrieved remotely by a tablet/phone or a desktop computer. I prefer to simply copy the pdf directly to my laptop over the network. Another great feature is that the sample pedestal has a visible light shining through it while you load the sample which makes it easier to see what you’re doing. That is something I have not seen on any other microvolume spectrophotometer. My only complaint, if I have to come up with one, is that typing on the touchscreen with my arm extended out in front of my is kind of clumsy. But its a minor inconvenience. I just stick to short samples names.”

Cory Tobin
Organization: TheLab Inc, USA

“Best small volume spec on the market”

Rating: 5.0   ★★★★★

Application Area: Protein/nucleic acid quantitation

“The Implen NanoPhotometer N50 is extremely easy to use (intuitive menus and settings), accurate, and genuinely capable of measuring very small volumes repeatably. The touch screen works well even with gloves. Window configurations are adaptable so you can customize the information you’re looking at while working. The instrument is light and mobile, and since it’s all-in-one, you can literally move it to where you’re working as needed. It’s not stuck in a particular corner of the lab. In my opinion, it’s the best nano-scale measurement device on the market for routine lab sample quantification and spectral reading.”

David Rawling
Organization: Inflammatix, Inc., USA

“Easy use and accurate results “

Rating: 4.7   ★★★★★

“We are using it for nucleic acid quantification. It’s so easy to use, gives accurate results and easy to save data in organized way. Would recommend it.”

Dr. Assala Samad
Organization: University of Oxford, United Kingdom

#1 Alternatives from Implen

If you like to learn more about our technology and get an introduction into our range of cutting edge spectrophotometers and its advantages, please get in touch with one of our team or your local distribution partner.

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NanoDrop™ and NanoDrop™ One are registered trademarks of Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Implen® is not affiliated, sponsored or endorsed by Thermo Fisher Scientific or NanoDrop™.

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