The UV-1700 ParmaSpec is a sensitive, reliable instrument for accurate detection of various substances, including biological samples. The 1 nm bandwidth makes it competent for higher resolution than the UV-160A (which has a 2 nm bandwidth). The UV-1700 contains a 20 W halogen lamp and deuterium lamp with a wavelength range of 190 to 1100 nm. The instrument is compact, easily moveable and has an attractive LCD display, which can be flipped open and closed. Its specifications conform to US, Europe and Japanese pharmacopoeia.
Our lab works with intermediate filament proteins and we are investigating the levels of different proteins in normal and tumor tissues. Hence, accurate quantification of proteins becomes an essential part of our research. We use the UV-1700 predominantly for accurate quantification of proteins and occasionally for RNA quantification. The instrument can automatically calculate sample concentrations based on a standard curve using the K factor method. The UV-1700 can also be used for multi-wavelength measurements. We find the multi-wavelength measurement functionality essential when using this instrument for investigating RNA quality. At times, our protein/RNA sample is precious; the UV-1700 allows us to use small amounts of sample. When we wish to use as little sample as possible, we use the 50 ul ultramicro cells provided as an accessory. One general advantage of the instrument is the live OD (i.e. when we insert the sample in sample holder the OD appears on the screen and only prints the OD on paper if we press start). This feature was also available on older versions and does prove useful at times.
Other features of this instrument include measurement of absorbance as a function of time and this can be instrumental in measuring enzyme activities. Using accessories like the MMC-1600 (Micro Multi Cell holder) or cell positioner, one can measure multiple samples at the same time. Micro Multi Cells can hold 8 or 16 cells for measurement of as little as 50 or 100 ul of sample. The UV-1700 can measure up to 8 wavelengths and can make various calculations including the difference or ratio between two wavelengths. The instrument can also be connected to a PC and one can have control over it through PC for better data management. In addition, there are a lot of accessories which one can utilize depending on the needs of the lab, for example, temperature-controlled (5 – 80ºC) sample reading using a constant temperature water circulator or a thermo-electrical temperature controlled cell holder. Also, the auto sampler changer can measure 100 samples automatically and the super micro cell holder can measure 25 - 200 ul of sample.
The only problem with this instrument is it is very slow in processing as compared to UV-160A. New users tend to loose patience as it takes a longer time for anything to come on screen after we press enter. Also, it is so sensitive that one needs to take precautions like removal of tiny bubbles (SDS containing samples) in the cuvette which interfere with stable reading.
The UV-1700 is an attractive, sensitive and multifunctional instrument which is worth buying.
Deepak Kanojia
Senior Research Fellow
Cancer Research Institute, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), TMC
Biochemistry and Cell Biology