The SmartDrop™ XF is the top-of-line nano spectrophotometer in Accuris's SmartDrop series — a microvolume UV-Vis instrument that quantifies DNA, RNA, and protein concentrations from a 1–2 µL sample droplet placed directly on the quartz pedestal, with two independent detection paths in one chassis: full-spectrum (200–800 nm) absorbance via xenon lamp + linear-array CCD detector, plus an integrated fluorometer for sensitive DNA quantitation when absorbance sensitivity isn't enough. The "XF" naming = "X" (full-spectrum CCD absorbance, like the SmartDrop X) + "F" (fluorometer integration). For labs whose nucleic-acid workflow ranges from concentrated samples (where A260 absorbance is sufficient) down to picogram-class sensitivity (where fluorometric quantitation is required), the SmartDrop XF replaces what would otherwise be a NanoDrop-class instrument plus a Qubit-class fluorometer with a single bench instrument.
Voltage options: This unit can be ordered with European voltage requirements (230V/50Hz). Contact us to order.
Key Specifications
| Sample volume | 1.0 to 2.0 µL on quartz pedestal |
| Absorbance mode | Full-spectrum scans 200–800 nm; auto-ranging path lengths |
| Light source (absorbance) | Long-life xenon lamp |
| Detector (absorbance) | Linear-array CCD |
| Fluorometer mode | Integrated; sensitive DNA quantification (paired with Accuris DNA Quantification Kits) |
| Built-in printer | Yes (instantaneous result documentation) |
| Cuvette port | Yes (for OD600 readings; two optical glass cuvettes included) |
| Display | 7-inch full-color touchscreen, icon-driven menus, preprogrammed protocols |
| PC required | No — touchscreen on-instrument operation |
| Data export | USB |
| Read time | < 6 seconds (typical) |
| Power input | Universal voltage |
| List price | $14,895 |
Application Profile
Routine nucleic-acid concentration and purity assessment. Place a 1–2 µL droplet on the pedestal, close the arm, and read concentration plus 260/280 and 260/230 ratios in under 6 seconds. The full-spectrum 200–800 nm scan supports identification of unusual contaminants beyond the standard purity ratios.
Sensitive DNA quantification via integrated fluorometer. When absorbance sensitivity isn't enough (low-concentration plasmid preps, qPCR-input quantitation, NGS-library pre-quantification), the integrated fluorometer paired with Accuris DNA Quantification Kits delivers picogram-class sensitivity — eliminating the need to walk samples to a separate Qubit-class fluorometer.
OD600 culture-density readings via cuvette port. Standard 1 cm path-length optical glass cuvettes (two included) for bacterial / yeast culture-density monitoring — no separate spectrophotometer required for routine OD600 work.
Protein concentration quantitation. Direct A280 and BCA / Bradford absorbance reads in microvolume format. The full-spectrum scan supports protein characterization beyond fixed-wavelength reads.
Multi-instrument workflow consolidation. The SmartDrop XF replaces the typical NanoDrop + Qubit + benchtop spectrophotometer combination with one instrument — useful for cores constrained on bench space or budget.
Method development and assay validation. Auto-ranging path lengths and full-spectrum scanning support workflows where absorbance behavior across the spectrum needs to be characterized rather than just measured at a fixed wavelength.
Design Architecture
Quartz pedestal microvolume measurement. The defining geometry of nano-spectrophotometers — a 1–2 µL droplet is suspended between the pedestal and a closing arm; the optical path runs through the droplet vertically. Path length auto-ranges across the SmartDrop X / XF range to accommodate concentrations from low-ng to high-mg per mL ranges.
Long-life xenon lamp as the absorbance source — full-spectrum 200–800 nm output. Xenon lifespan significantly exceeds LED-based predecessors and the SmartDrop L's LED lamp.
Linear-array CCD detector captures the full absorbance spectrum simultaneously rather than scanning monochromator → photodiode point-by-point. This is what enables the < 6 second read time for full-spectrum data, and the support for both 260/280 and 260/230 ratios.
Integrated fluorometer in the same chassis as the absorbance instrument. Workflow swap between modes is software-driven (touchscreen menu) — no instrument-changeover step. The fluorometer paired with Accuris DNA Quantification Kits provides selective dsDNA quantitation:
- NS1020-HS-100 — High Sensitivity dsDNA Kit, 100 assays, range 0.005–120 ng/µL initial sample, detection 0.1–120 ng
- NS1020-BR-100 — Broad Range dsDNA Kit, 100 assays, range 0.2–2,000 ng/µL initial sample, detection 4–2,000 ng
Built-in printer for instantaneous result documentation — useful for clinical-research workflows that need hard-copy result records.
Cuvette port for OD600 — separate optical path from the pedestal, accepts standard 1 cm path-length cuvettes. Two optical glass cuvettes included with the instrument.
7-inch touchscreen with preprogrammed protocols and icon-driven menus. No PC required for routine operation; data exports via USB to a flash drive when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the "XF" in SmartDrop XF mean? "X" for full-spectrum CCD absorbance (like the SmartDrop X) plus "F" for the integrated fluorometer — two independent detection paths in one chassis.
What sample volume does the NS1020 need? 1.0 to 2.0 µL placed directly on the quartz pedestal.
What does the integrated fluorometer add over absorbance? Picogram-class sensitivity for low-concentration samples (low plasmid preps, qPCR-input, NGS pre-quantification) — paired with Accuris DNA Quantification Kits (NS1020-HS-100 or NS1020-BR-100).
Can the NS1020 do OD600 culture readings? Yes — it has a cuvette port for OD600 with two optical glass cuvettes included.
How does the NS1020 compare to the other SmartDrop models? The NS1000 L ($6,813) is LED/fixed path-length; the NS1010 X ($12,601) adds xenon full-spectrum CCD; the NS1020 XF ($14,895) adds the integrated fluorometer — a ~$2,300 premium over the X.
Ordering & Configuration
Standard configuration. The NS1020 ships with the instrument, two optical glass cuvettes (for cuvette-port OD600 work), 115 V power cord, operator's manual, and packaging materials.
Compatible DNA Quantification Kits (sold separately):
- NS1020-HS-100 — High Sensitivity dsDNA Quantification Kit, 100 assays
- NS1020-BR-100 — Broad Range dsDNA Quantification Kit, 100 assays
- NS1020-T — 0.5 mL Fluorescence Detection Tubes, pack of 250
Voltage variants:
- NS1020 — 115 V plug (this SKU)
Family alternatives:
- NS1000 SmartDrop L ($6,813) — affordable LED-based fixed 0.5 mm path-length pedestal, for routine A260/A280 work without xenon-lamp full-spectrum scanning
- NS1010 SmartDrop X ($12,601) — xenon + linear-array CCD, full-spectrum 200–800 nm, no integrated fluorometer (the "X without F")
Use the quote request to specify: voltage and plug type, DNA Quantification Kit inclusion in initial order (HS or BR or both), cuvette inventory if more than the two included, training, and lead time.
Warranty: Manufacturer's standard Accuris warranty applies.
SmartDrop family selection:
- NS1000 L ($6,813) — LED, fixed 0.5 mm, routine ratio-quant
- NS1010 X ($12,601) — xenon + CCD, full-spectrum, no fluorometer
- NS1020 XF ($14,895) — xenon + CCD + integrated fluorometer (this product)
The XF's $2,300 premium over the X earns its slot when fluorometric DNA sensitivity is part of the routine workflow.
