Question 1

Whom do I contact to initiate service for my NanoDrop instrument?

Accepted Answer

For NanoDrop instrument service in the United States and Canada, call 877-724-7690 (toll-free) and select option 4 for Technical Support or email nanodrop@thermofisher.com. For international service, please contact your local NanoDrop distributor.

Question 2

Can I perform my own NanoDrop instrument service?

Accepted Answer

All service for Thermo Scientific NanoDrop instruments is performed by our trained service technicians at our service depot in Madison, WI.

Question 3

What additional analytes or biomolecules are routinely analyzed using the NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer?

Accepted Answer

The NanoDrop 3300 is routinely used for the following:
- Determine the concentration of nucleic acids (some of the pre-configured methods are dsDNA Hoechst dye, dsDNA PicoGreen dye and RNA RiboGreen dye)
- Characterize molecular beacon probes labeled with different fluorophores
- Assess the fluorescence of dyes such as Alexa, Cy and DyLightdyes
- Measure fluorescence of a wide variety of inherent fluorophores

Question 4

Can I simply wipe the pedestal surface, of the NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer, enough to prevent carryover?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we recommend using dry laboratory wipes as a very effective method for removing the sample. The highly polished quartz and stainless-steel surfaces of the sample retention system are resistant to sample adherence.

Question 5

What is the dynamic range for proteins that can be measured on the NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer?

Accepted Answer

Using a 2 µL sample, the range using the Quant-iT protein assay is 0.01 µg - 1.0 µg (BSA).
The range using the fluorescein assay is > 4 logs.
Detailed performance data using other fluorophores may be found on the Thermo Fisher website.

Question 6

Is the NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer affordable, even though it allows for a large amount of flexibility?

Accepted Answer

The NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer is very affordable compared to high-end fluorescence instruments, primarily because the NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer does not use costly monochromators.

Question 7

Can I use the NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer if I do not know what excitation source to use for my sample?

Accepted Answer

The Fluorescence Profiler feature, in the NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer, allows LED excitation selection guidance when you are unsure of the excitation source and/or emission profile of a specific or unknown fluorophore.

Question 8

I have no previous experience with fluorescence techniques. Is the NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer easy to use?

Accepted Answer

The NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer system is very user-friendly, even for those with limited fluorescence experience. There are no filter changes and the software is designed to make establishing and saving a standard curve quick and easy. Measuring a sample is as simple as pipetting a 2 µL sample onto the sample pedestal and clicking a button on the computer screen to initiate the measurement.

Question 9

What are the sample size requirements for my NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer?

Accepted Answer

We recommend using a 2 µL sample size for protein measurements using a NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer. Proteins and/or protein buffers may alter the surface tension properties of the solution and using the larger sample size is recommended to ensure proper column formation.

Question 10

What are the advantages of using the NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer?

Accepted Answer

The compact NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer allows for highly sensitive protein concentration measurements. Coupled with the fact that only a very small sample size is needed, this is a unique, accurate and quick (2-10 sec) way to make measurements when only limited (ultra-low) sample mass is available for testing.

Question 11

Can I quantify proteins using my NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for measuring dye-labeled proteins, pre-configured methods on the NanoDrop 3300 include:
- Quant-iT Protein
- Fluorescamine
- FluoroProfile
- Fluoraldehyde-OPA
In addition, the broad range of excitation wavelengths and broad range in detecting emission wavelengths allow the flexibility of setting up custom methods using virtually any fluorophore (400-750 nm).

Question 12

Can I calibrate my NanoDrop 3300 Fluorospectrometer?

Accepted Answer

The NanoDrop 3300 does not require calibration. The NanoDrop 3300 bases all quantitative measurements on a standard curve so pathlength calibration is not required. As a result, there is no calibration solution for the NanoDrop 3300. Instead, a user may measure a serial dilution of a fluorescent dye such as fluorescein to assess reproducibility and linearity.
There is a source check available on the main menu to confirm that the hardware is functioning properly.

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