NanoDrop Alternative: Micro-Volume UV-Vis Spectrophotometers for DNA, RNA and Protein

Looking for a NanoDrop alternative? CHANGYU MALL offers micro-volume UV-Vis spectrophotometers that read DNA, RNA and protein from 0.5–4 µL, with A260/A280 and A260/A230 purity ratios on screen. They are cost-effective options from the China supply chain, quoted together with your other lab items.

Micro-volume spectrophotometers in CHANGYU MALL

Micro-Volume UV-Vis Spectrophotometers (from 0.5 µL)
Item No. CY-SPC-01

Micro-Volume UV-Vis Spectrophotometers (from 0.5 µL)

  • 200–900 nm; xenon lamp with CMOS linear image sensor
  • Micro-volume and cuvette modes on selected models
  • Tablet touch control; audit trail and user permissions
Micro-Volume UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, 4 Path Lengths
Item No. CY-INS-04

Micro-Volume UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, 4 Path Lengths

  • 4-pathlength detection technology
  • Built-in printer
  • High repeatability; wide concentration range

Model options at a glance

Item No.Path lengthSample volumeDetectorCuvette mode
CY-SPC-01A1 mm4 µL1024-pixel CMOS—
CY-SPC-01B1 mm4 µL2048-pixel CMOSYes
CY-SPC-01C1 / 0.5 / 0.05 mm0.5–5 µL2048-pixel CMOS—
CY-SPC-01D1 / 0.5 / 0.05 mm, automatic0.5–5 µL2048-pixel CMOSYes
CY-SPC-01E1 / 0.5 / 0.1 / 0.05 / 0.02 mm, automatic0.5–4 µL4096-pixel CMOS—
CY-SPC-01F1 / 0.5 / 0.1 / 0.05 / 0.02 mm, automatic0.5–4 µL4096-pixel CMOSYes
CY-INS-044 path lengthsMicro-volumeSee data sheetSee data sheet

What to compare when you choose a micro-volume spectrophotometer

  • Path lengths. More path lengths (switched automatically) let one drop cover both dilute and concentrated samples without dilution.
  • Sample volume. 0.5–1 µL matters when your RNA or protein is precious.
  • Wavelength range. 200–900 nm covers nucleic acids (260 nm), protein (280 nm), contaminants (230 nm) and labelled dyes.
  • Cuvette mode. Useful for OD600 and for samples you prefer to read in a standard cell.
  • Data handling. Touch-screen software, export, user permissions and audit trail if your lab works under GLP.

Reading the numbers correctly

An A260/A280 near 2.0 is expected for pure RNA and near 1.8 for pure DNA, and a low A260/A230 points to salt, guanidine or phenol carry-over. A good ratio does not prove RNA is intact – check integrity on a gel or by RIN. See our guides: why an A260/A280 of 1.8 is not a purity pass, RNA quality reference values and reading 28S and 18S on a gel.

How ordering works

  • Single units are welcome; there is no minimum order quantity.
  • Equipment, kits and global-brand items can be combined on one quotation and one shipment.
  • Payment by bank transfer (T/T) in USD to our company account.
  • Power supply (voltage and plug), shipping method, lead time and export documents are confirmed with each quotation.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a NanoDrop?

No. NanoDrop is a trademark of Thermo Fisher Scientific. The instruments on this page are independent micro-volume spectrophotometers and are not made by or affiliated with Thermo Fisher. Compare the specifications against your application before you order; we can send the data sheet first.

Can it measure A260/A280 and A260/A230?

Yes. The CY-SPC-01 series covers 200–900 nm, which includes 230, 260 and 280 nm, so you can read nucleic acid concentration and the A260/A280 and A260/A230 purity ratios.

How much sample do I need?

Depending on the model, 0.5–4 µL per measurement. Models with automatic path-length switching accept 0.5–5 µL or 0.5–4 µL; the single 1 mm path-length models use 4 µL.

Can I also measure in a cuvette?

Yes, on the models listed with cuvette mode (CY-SPC-01B, 01D and 01F). Use it for diluted samples or cell-culture OD600 readings.

Can I order just one instrument?

Yes. Single units are welcome. Power supply, shipping method and lead time are confirmed with your quotation.

NanoDrop is a trademark of Thermo Fisher Scientific. CHANGYU MALL products are not affiliated with Thermo Fisher. For research and laboratory use.

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Item numbers, quantities and destination country. We reply with one written quotation.

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