Lunatic

Significance of the Topic

Accurate, high-throughput quantification of proteins and nucleic acids is critical for biologics development, genomics workflows, and quality control in both research and industrial settings. Traditional UV/Vis methods often require sample dilution, extensive preparation, and suffer from limited dynamic range and throughput. The Lunatic microfluidic UV/Vis plate reader addresses these challenges by enabling fast, low-volume measurements across a broad concentration range without dilution.

Objectives and Study Overview

This summary examines a whitepaper describing the Lunatic system's capabilities for batch quantification of proteins, DNA, and RNA. Key objectives include demonstrating throughput, dynamic range, precision, accuracy, and ease of use compared to conventional spectrophotometers.

Methodology

Experiments utilized microfluidic circuits with dual fixed pathlengths (0.1 mm and 0.7 mm) for a 96-well plate format. Sample volume per well was 2 µL, and full-plate measurements completed within 10 minutes. Protein quantification was performed at 280 nm, and nucleic acids at 260 nm. Standard curves for IgG and tryptophan, as well as certified NIST UV/Vis standards, were used to assess performance.

Instrumentation used

The Lunatic instrument integrates a xenon flash lamp light source with a UV/Vis polychromatic spectrophotometer detector. It operates over 230–750 nm, offers ≤2 nm spectral resolution, and interfaces via USB, TCP/IP, or SiLA. The system supports 21 CFR Part 11 features for regulatory compliance.

Main Results and Discussion

• Dynamic range from 0.03 to 275 OD (10 mm equivalent) covers protein concentrations of 0.02–200 mg/mL without dilution.
• Precision under 1% CV and accuracy within 2% across concentration ranges.
• Linear response for IgG dilution series (R2 = 0.9999).
• Rapid detection of contaminants in DNA/RNA samples, distinguishing dsDNA, RNA, and turbidity.
• Conformance to USP and Ph. Eur. UV/Vis requirements via performance verification with certified standards.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High-throughput screening: 96 samples in 10 minutes with minimal sample volume.
• Elimination of dilution steps accelerates workflows and reduces error.
• Automated integration with liquid handlers via API enables hands-off operation.
• Regulatory readiness for GLP/QC labs with audit trails and electronic signatures.

Future Trends and Applications

Advancements may include expanded automation pipelines, integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and extended spectral analytics for complex sample matrices. Emerging applications could encompass real-time monitoring in bioprocessing and multiplexed assays for synthetic biology.

Conclusion

The Lunatic microfluidic UV/Vis plate reader delivers unprecedented throughput, sensitivity, and convenience for protein and nucleic acid quantification. Its broad dynamic range, low sample consumption, and robust regulatory features position it as a valuable tool for both research and quality control environments.

References

No literature references were provided in the original document.