UV/Vis spectroscopy gives researchers a fast and dependable way to evaluate biological samples without complex preparation. It helps save time in the lab by delivering immediate insights that support better decision-making during experiments. Because it is versatile and easy to use, it has become a trusted tool for routine analysis across many life science workflows.
We understand the pressures you face. Here's how we help.
Spending hours on dilutions and sample preparation is error prone and wastes precious research time and valuable samples.
UV5Nano: 0.5-2 µL direct measurement
Variations between measurements and operators compromise data reliability and reproducibility.
OneClick™ methods ensure consistency
Precious samples require multiple analyses but you barely have enough material for one test.
Micro-volume capability saves samples
Meeting regulatory requirements with proper data management is overwhelming without the right tools.
LabX® software: 21 CFR Part 11 ready
Creating and validating new methods takes too long when you need immediate results.
Pre-programmed and ready-to-use methods
| If your lab needs... | Recommended solution | Why |
| Routine cuvette-based measurements | UV5Bio | Ideal for standard bio applications, kinetics, scanning, fixed wavelength and quantification |
| Precious samples with limited volume | UV5Nano | Requires only 1 µL sample and supports micro-volume measurements |
| Both micro-volume and cuvette workflows | UV5Nano | Combines micro-volume and cuvette-based measurements in one compact instrument |
| High sample throughput with consistent methods | UV5Bio or UV5Nano + OneClick™ methods | Supports predefined methods, shortcuts and data handling |
Overview of recommended UV/Vis solutions based on common bio application needs, sample volume, and workflow requirements.
METTLER TOLEDO's market support group provides a wide range of proven and tested UV/Vis applications ready to be downloaded. In our application library you will find application notes and corresponding methods which can be downloaded and imported to your instruments.
The minimum sample quantity required for reliable analysis is 1 μL. Pure sample is simply pipetted on the measuring platform. Depending on the method and instrument used, the required pathlength is adjusted either automatically or manually.
Micro-volume UV/Vis spectroscopy provides a significant number of advantages that contribute to overall error reduction in the workflow. A major benefit is that sample concentrations can be measured without prior dilution. Measurements are more reliable and accurate when testing highly concentrated nucleic acids and/or proteins vs. when testing more dilute sample preparations.
The following study aims to demonstrate the significant differences in time-to-result obtained with the following analytical UV/Vis measurement workflows. As you will see, micro-volume measurement using appropriate technology allows the processing of 100 samples in just over 100 minutes. This compares quite favorably in terms of time- and effort-saving to both manual processing and use of disposable cuvettes, while significantly reducing the amount of waste created by the process.
Technologies compared were:
The following study analyzes the waste accumulation due to disposable consumables (pipette tips and plastic cuvettes) for the various workflow steps involved in the time-to result analyses. The figure illustrates total plastic waste generation (based on accumulated weight) per analytical workflow for 6 consecutive measurements in one sample series extrapolated to 100 samples.
The micro-volume workflow eliminates the reliance on disposable cuvettes while maintaining a similar if slightly longer time-to-result. Depending on the scale of analyses performed, this can result not only in significantly less plastic waste but also in reduced costs. Therefore, along with a favorable processing time and saving of sample substance, a change from macro-volume to micro-volume UV/Vis measurements when appropriate improves the cost-efficiency and environmental sustainability of the workflow.
Micro-volume analysis helps protect valuable biological samples, but reliable results require a precise and repeatable optical pathlength. With LockPath™ technology, the UV5Nano automatically locks the measurement arm at a defined pathlength, helping users obtain consistent results with minimal sample volume.
The technology supports accurate measurements at 0.1 mm and 1 mm pathlengths, secures the arm during measurement and helps reduce sample drying during analysis. This makes it easier to measure concentrated DNA, RNA or protein samples without dilution and with greater confidence.
Key benefits:
| Optical pathlength [mm] | Limit | dsDNA concentration [ng/μL] | BSA concentration [mg/mL] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (cuvette) | Low | 0.5 | 0.015 |
| High | 100 | 4,500 | |
| 1 (micro-volume platform) | Low | 5 | 0.15 |
| High | 1,000 | 45 | |
| 0.1 (micro-volume platform) | Low | 50 | 1.5 |
| High | 10,000 | 450 |
Overview of optical pathlength-dependent quantitation limits for nucleic acid and protein samples.
UV5Bio Excellence Spectrophotometer | UV5Nano Excellence Spectrophotometer |
Technology designed around your workflow | |
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UV/Vis spectroscopy is one of the most widely used analytical techniques in life science laboratories because it delivers fast, accurate, and non-destructive results from very small sample volumes. Key applications include:
Both instruments are purpose-built for life science applications and share the same pre-programmed methods for nucleic acids, proteins, and cell density. The key difference is the measurement mode: the UV5Nano enables concentration and purity determination of nucleic acids and protein samples down to 1 µL using a micro-volume platform, while the UV5Bio is a dedicated instrument for standard cuvette measurements in life sciences, with a wide range of pre-defined direct measurement applications. If your lab routinely works with precious or low-volume samples, the UV5Nano is the better fit.
The UV5Nano only requires 1 µL of sample for reliable measurements. The pure sample is pipetted on the measuring surface and the arm is automatically locked to a precisely defined pathlength — measurement accuracy is ensured and errors are avoided as the sample does not need to be diluted. This makes it ideal for precious biological extracts where sample conservation is critical.
The UV5Nano automatically measures at two precisely defined pathlengths, allowing a wide concentration range to be covered. Samples of dsDNA with concentrations of 6 ng/µL to 15,000 ng/µL can be measured without further dilutions within 2 seconds per pathlength. For RNA and BSA, the optimal measurement range is 10–10,000 ng/mL for dsDNA and RNA, and 0.5–400 mg/mL for BSA.
Yes. Optional automation and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance meet the needs of life science and biopharma labs. The UV5Nano can be operated with LabX™ UV/Vis software, which provides full audit trails, user management, and electronic signatures. Combined with the CertiRef™ module for automated pharmacopeia-compliant performance verification, the instrument fits seamlessly into GLP and GMP workflows.
With UV/Vis spectroscopy, you can measure key sample parameters such as nucleic acid concentration, protein content, purity ratios, and cell density. These measurements help you evaluate sample quality and decide whether a sample is ready for further analysis. It is a versatile technique for many common bio workflows in research and biopharma labs.
