BioSan Photometer DEN-600
The BioSan Photometer DEN-600 is a compact, portable laboratory instrument specially developed for the rapid and precise determination of cell concentrations and protein assays. Due to its slim design and the possibility of operating it with a powerful lithium-ion battery, it is particularly suitable for mobile applications and work in biosafety cabinets or anaerobic chambers. Thanks to its intuitive software, which supports the Bradford protein assay method among others, and its ease of use, it is a convincing alternative to larger spectrophotometers. The BioSan Photometer DEN-1B, which was also designed for applications in the field of cell and protein analysis and sets standards in terms of handiness, can be used with similar flexibility.
Extensive features and areas of application
This precise measuring device combines an optical system at 600 nm (±10 nm) with a self-calibrating LED as the light source and a robust silicone photodiode. As a result, absorbance and turbidity measurements can be carried out very accurately, especially in microbiological applications where the concentration of bacterial cells or yeasts is to be determined via OD600. A particular strength is the flexible accommodation of different vessel types:
- Standard cuvettes with 10 mm path length
- Tubes with a round base
- Conical vials and Falcon tubes
This variety allows the device to be quickly and conveniently adapted to a wide range of protocols. The measurement can be carried out in OD, Abs or McF units. The integrated McFarland method also allows turbidity measurement for microbiological work such as antibiotic susceptibility tests or inhibition tests.
The Li-Ion battery ensures a stable power supply in mobile operation, while the external power supply (AC 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz) is used for stationary applications. With a weight of just 0.5 kg and dimensions of 140 × 165 × 85 mm, the device is very well suited for laboratory environments where space is at a premium. It can be connected via USB to common operating systems such as Windows Vista, 7 or 8 for the evaluation and storage of data. Special software functions enable calibration for the Bradford method and user-defined turbidity standards to meet individual laboratory routine requirements.
Important technical data at a glance:
- Measuring range: 0 to 4,600 OD
- Resolution: 0.001 OD
- Light source: Self-calibrating LED (600 nm ±10 nm)
- Photodetector: Silicone photodiode
- Detection mode: Absorption
- PC connection: USB, software support for various operating systems
- Rechargeable battery: Lithium-ion technology for long, independent operation
In addition to these characteristics, the photometer impresses with its ability to track cell growth data in real time. Investigations into the logarithmic growth phase, induction of microbial cells and the preparation of competent cells benefit from the precise evaluation of the cell concentration. In addition, the device can be used for protein determination with the classic Bradford assay and provides reliable concentration values for a wide range of biochemical questions in the life science sector.
Application examples
- Precise determination of the cell count in bacterial and yeast cultures using OD600.
- Real-time monitoring of cell growth phases to determine the optimal time for protein induction
- Perform antibiotic susceptibility testing where cell density needs to be rapidly adjusted.
- Quantitative protein measurements using the Bradford method, for example to determine the yield of purified proteins.
- Preparation of competent cells for transformation experiments in molecular biology.
- Inhibition tests with defined cell densities, for example in the field of biotechnology or environmental analysis.
FAQs
How do I calibrate the device for the Bradford protein assay?
The Bradford calibration curve can be easily imported or redefined using the DEN software supplied. To do this, reference samples are measured and the corresponding data entered.
Can I also use turbidity standards other than McFarland?
Yes. The device allows user-defined calibration so that you can create and save different turbidity values.
Which operating systems are supported?
The software is compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8, allowing the measurement data to be easily transferred via USB and analyzed on the computer.
Is the photometer suitable for routine measurements in microbiology?
Conditionally. Thanks to the wide measuring range up to 4,600 OD and the option of using different vessels, it is ideally equipped for routine cell applications and measurements in the microbiology laboratory.
Do I need to attach additional filters for measurements at 600 nm?
No. Thanks to the integrated LED with a fixed wavelength of 600 nm (±10 nm), no additional filters are required.
Conclusion
This photometer offers an excellent combination of compact design, reliable measurement technology and flexible software support. It enables precise measurements of cell concentration and protein content in various tests without the need for a large spectrophotometer. Its low weight and robust design underline its suitability for various laboratory environments, whether stationary or mobile. Thanks to the USB interface and user-friendly software integration, data can be easily exported, allowing the device to be optimally integrated into existing laboratory workflows.
