TN 172 DeNovix DS-11 Series Fluorometer vs. Thermo Fisher Qubit™ Fluorometer Comparison

Introduction

The DeNovix DS-11 Series Spectrophotometer / Fluorometer and the Thermo Fisher Qubit™ 3.0/4 fluorometer are commonly used for fluorescence quantification of nucleic acids, proteins and other biomolecules. This note presents a comparison of instrument features and system performance of the DeNovix DS-11 Series fluorometer and the Thermo Fisher Qubit™ 3.0/4 fluorometer. A performance comparison of DeNovix dsDNA Quantification Assays and Thermo Fisher Qubit™ dsDNA assays is also presented.

The DS-11 Series fluorometer enables precise fluorescence quantification using a proprietary optical core and a versatile set of four user-selectable fluorescence channels. The DS-11 Series fluorometer, combined with DeNovix dsDNA Fluorescence Assays, provides the highest sensitivity and widest dynamic range for quantification available. When compared to the Thermo Fisher Qubit™ 3.0/4 fluorometers and Qubit™ dsDNA assays, the DeNovix DS-11 Series fluorometer provides a detection limit 20X below Qubit™ and an upper range 2X higher.

DeNovix dsDNA Quantification Assays

DeNovix offers three dsDNA Fluorescence Quantification Kits that enable quick, sensitive and reproducible measurements of dsDNA, ranging from 0.5 pg/µL to 4000 ng/µl in a simple mix-and-measure protocol. DeNovix Broad Range, High Sensitivity and Ultra High Sensitivity Assays provide significantly enhanced dynamic range over Thermo Fisher Qubit™ assays (Figure 1).

The DeNovix Ultra High Sensitivity dsDNA Assay delivers unmatched sensitivity, measuring concentrations as low as 0.5 pg/µL. Thermo Fisher’s Qubit™ has no equivalent assay.

Due to DeNovix’s 20X greater sensitivity over the Thermo Fisher Qubit™ HS dsDNA assays, scientists are better equipped for research than ever. Single cell analysis, laser captured samples, circulating DNA and tumor heterogeneity studies are among the applications that can now benefit from faster and more accurate quantification.

Feature Comparison

The DeNovix DS-11 Series fluorometer includes features equivalent or superior to Thermo Fisher’s Qubit™ 3.0/4 fluorometers. Table 1 summarizes each system. DeNovix fluorometers are compatible with DeNovix Assays and a wide range of other fluorescence assays. Intuitive EasyApps™ software comes preinstalled on this stand-alone instrument. The system includes a custom operating system and a 7” HD touchscreen.

*   Using DeNovix dsDNA Assays
** Using Thermo Fisher Qubit™ dsDNA assays

Methods

Comparison data for DeNovix dsDNA Quantification Assays and correlating Thermo Fisher Qubit™ quantification assays were obtained on a DeNovix DS-11 Series fluorometer and Thermo Fisher Qubit™ 3.0 fluorometer respectively. Each assay was prepared as described in the manufacturer’s protocol. Samples were mixed and incubated at room temperature for five minutes. Three replicate measurements were taken for each sample. The DeNovix Assays were measured on the DeNovix fluorometer, and the Thermo Fisher Qubit™ assays were measured on the Qubit™ 3.0 fluorometer.

DeNovix Broad Range, High Sensitivity and Ultra High Sensitivity Assays

For Broad Range and High Sensitivity, a series of dilutions of calf thymus DNA was prepared in TE buffer. Working solution (190 µL) was added to a thin-walled, clear UV-transparent 0.5 mL PCR tube (DeNovix cat #TUBE-PCR-0.5-500). dsDNA (10 µL) was added to each tube in the standard range, and volume was adjusted for total mass in the extended range.

For Ultra High Sensitivity, working solution (200 µL) was added to a thin-walled, clear UV-transparent 0.5 mL PCR tube. dsDNA (10 µL) was added to each tube.

Thermo Fisher Qubit™ Broad Range and High Sensitivity Assays

A series of dilutions from phage lambda DNA was prepared in TE buffer. Working solution (190 µL) was added to a thin-walled, clear UV-transparent 0.5 mL PCR tube. dsDNA (10 µL) was added to each standard tube, and volume was adjusted for total mass within the core range of the assay. The extended range of the Thermo Fisher Qubit™ assays increases the total mass limitations of the assay. The appropriate total mass for the extended range was added to each assay tube using 200 µL total volumes.

Performance Data

Summary

The combination of the DeNovix DS-11 Series fluorometer and DeNovix dsDNA Quantification Assays provides fast and accurate measurements with unmatched sensitivity. The DS-11 Series fluorometer and DeNovix Assays enable superior accuracy, higher sensitivity and a broader range of dsDNA quantification (0.5 pg/µL – 4000 ng/µL) compared to the Thermo Fisher Qubit™ 3.0/4 fluorometers and Qubit™ assay range (10 pg/µL – 2000 ng/µL).

Fluorometer mode is available on the DS-11 FX and DS-11 FX+ Spectrophotometer / Fluorometer and the QFX Fluorometer. DeNovix dsDNA Quantification Assays are available for purchase on our webstore and through DeNovix authorized distributors.