UV-Vis spectroscopy is a method used to measure light absorption using a technical compound. The technique involves measuring the intensity of ultraviolet and visible light that passes through the sample.
The UV-Vis spectroscopy method is applied in different laboratory experiments. Some of the practical applications of Agilent UV VIS spectroscopy include:
1. Pharmaceutical Analysis
The pharmaceutical industry is the most common field that uses UV-Vis spectroscopy. Analyzing UV-Vis ranges by mathematical derivatives allows overlapping absorption peaks in the original spectra to identify separate pharmaceutical compounds.
For instance, when applying the first mathematical to the absorbing spectra, you can separately identify an antibiotic of chlortetracycline. When you build a calibration function of each compound, you will achieve a simultaneous quantification of both substances.
2. Analysis of DNA and RNA
You can use UV-Vis spectroscopy to quickly verify the purity and concentration of DNA and RNA. It is crucial to note that, when preparing RNA or DNA samples, you should ensure that there is no contamination of one with the other or with chemical or protein lifted from the isolation process.
The 260nm/280nm absorbance ratio identifies any possible contamination in the nucleic acid sample. When you contaminate the samples with proteins, it will reduce the 260/280 absorbance ratio in the DNA and RNA sample because of the higher absorbance ratio of 280nm. The 260/230nm absorbance ratio is used to check the purity of RNA and DNA samples. Any protein contamination will lower the 260/230 absorbance ratio since proteins can absorb light at 230nm.
3. Bacterial culture
Another essential application of UV-Vis spectroscopy is in bacteria culturing. A wavelength of 600nm is used to quickly take the OD measurements to help have the cell concentration estimate and track growth. The optical property of culture media in which bacteria are grown makes 600nm the most preferred wavelength. It helps prevent damaging the bacteria cells when you require them for further experimentation.
4. Analysis of Beverage
Identifying compounds in drinks is another common essential application of UV-Vis spectroscopy. A beverage containing caffeine should have a limiting amount of caffeine content. UV lights can help provide the best qualification of caffeine amount to include in drinks.
The number of colored substances found in blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cherries such as anthocyanin in wine is also controlled using UV-Vis absorbance.
5. Other applications
The UV-Vis method has several other essential industrial applications. Some other critical applications of UV-Vis spectroscopy include;
- Measuring a colour index: It is essential in monitoring transformer oil as a preventive measure to ensure the safe delivery of electric power.
- Analysis of Hemoglobin: It is used to determine the haemoglobin concentration used in cancer research.
- Waste Treatment: It can be applied in kinetic monitoring studies to ensure that certain dyes or dye products are appropriately removed.
- Food Authenticity Analysis
- Air Quality Monitoring.
UV-Vis spectroscopy is applied in some more specialized research, such as; determining battery composition, examining specific structural changes, and many others. The application of UV-Vis spectroscopy seems to be exceedingly endless. Therefore, having a broader knowledge about Agilent UV VIS spectroscopy may help better understand the different fields.
