UV-VIS Spectrophotometer UV-1280

Importance of the Topic

Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry is a cornerstone analytical technique for quantitative molecular absorption measurements across diverse fields such as environmental monitoring, food quality, pharmaceutical development, and life sciences. Its simplicity, sensitivity, and versatility make it indispensable for routine and advanced applications.

Aims and Overview of the Product

The UV-1280 Multipurpose UV-Visible Spectrophotometer from Shimadzu is designed to deliver high-quality, cost-effective performance over a broad wavelength range (190–1100 nm). Built for ease of use, stability, and flexibility, it supports photometric, spectral, kinetic, multi-component, and biomethod analyses in one compact instrument.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Using a monitor double-beam optical design with deuterium and halogen lamps, the UV-1280 ensures stable, accurate measurements. Key features include:

• Wavelength scanning from 190 to 1100 nm with 5 nm bandwidth
• Silicon photodiode detector and concave holographic grating monochromator
• Seven software modes: photometric, spectrum, quantitation, kinetics, time scan, multi-component, and biomethod
• Built-in programs for DNA/protein quantitation and high-level multi-component calibration
• USB flash drive support for direct data export in CSV format
• Optional printing via dedicated screen copy printer or commercial printers (ESC/P, PCL)
• Extensive accessory lineup, including micro-volume cells, multi-cell holders, sipper units, temperature control units, and auto samplers

Main Results and Discussion

Performance evaluations demonstrate:

• High optical stability via double-beam design and stable lamp usage monitoring
• Flexible measurement modes enabling single- and multi-wavelength quantitation, spectral scanning with zoom and peak-valley picking, and enzyme kinetics with automatic rate calculations
• Biomethod program for rapid DNA (260/230, 260/280 nm) and protein assays (Lowry, BCA, Biuret, CBB, UV280) with one-touch operation
• Environmental and industrial applications such as turbidity (JIS-compliant), hexavalent chromium, nutrient analyses, and food dye color value determination
• Data integrity through instrument validation functions covering JIS item checks and lamp usage tracking

Benefits and Practical Application

Users benefit from intuitive operation via a clear LCD interface and keypad, streamlined workflow with automated cell changers and sippers, and secure data handling through USB and printer outputs. The broad accessory compatibility allows adaptation to micro-volume samples, temperature-sensitive assays, high-throughput screening, and compliance testing across QA/QC laboratories.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advancements may include tighter integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), enhanced automation with robotics and AI-driven method development, miniaturized flow-through cells for point-of-care diagnostics, expanded biomolecular assays, and cloud-enabled remote monitoring and data analysis.

Conclusion

The UV-1280 spectrophotometer combines robust optics, versatile modes, and user-friendly features to meet the evolving demands of analytical laboratories. Its stability, flexibility, and extensive accessory range position it as a cost-effective solution for accurate UV-Vis analyses across a wide spectrum of applications.

Reference

• Warburg and Christian (1942) Biochem. Z. 310, 384-421
• Kalb and Bernlohr (1977) Anal. Biochem. 82, 362-371