Lunatic Genomics Quantification

Importance of the topic

Reliable, high-throughput quantification of nucleic acids and related biomolecules underpins modern genomics, molecular diagnostics and quality control workflows. Accurate concentration measurements are essential for reproducible downstream analyses, efficient resource utilization and minimizing costly failures. Conventional cuvette-based UV/Vis methods and dye-dependent assays often require larger volumes, extensive sample preparation and present limited dynamic ranges. The Lunatic system addresses these challenges by delivering rapid, low-volume, plate-based UV/Vis measurements without dyes, offering broad concentration coverage and streamlined workflows.

Objectives and study overview

This application note evaluates the performance of the Lunatic UV/Vis microfluidic plate reader for DNA and RNA quantification. Key objectives include assessing accuracy and precision across a wide dynamic range, evaluating reproducibility across instruments and laboratories, comparing performance to fluorescent dye assays, demonstrating impurity detection via spectral unmixing, exploring plasma quality control applications, and verifying automation compatibility.

Methodology and instrumentation

• Microfluidic plate reader with dual fixed pathlengths (0.1 mm & 0.7 mm) embedded in each circuit
• UV/Vis polychromatic spectrophotometer equipped with a xenon flash lamp light source and fixed optics
• Standard SBS 96-well plate format requiring only 2 µL sample per well
• Measurement range spanning 0.03–275 OD (10 mm equivalent), corresponding to 1.5–13 750 ng/µL dsDNA
• Connectivity via USB, TCP/IP or SiLA API for seamless integration with robotic liquid handlers

Key results and discussion

Lunatic delivers DNA concentration measurements with accuracy within 1% and precision below 1% CV across a 25–1 400 ng/µL dilution series (R² > 0.9999). Inter- and intra-instrument variability remains under 2% error at both low and high concentrations, facilitating consistency across multi-lab studies. The broad dynamic range eliminates the need for dilutions of high-concentration samples, outperforming fluorescent dye assays that saturate above ~1 000 ng/µL. Spectral unmixing algorithms reveal common UV-absorbing impurities such as proteins and organic contaminants, enhancing sample quality assessment. In plasma QC mode, the system quantifies hemoglobin, bilirubin, total protein and turbidity profiles from full UV/Vis spectra. Automated API control supports unattended operation and high throughput.

Benefits and practical applications

• Minimal sample consumption (2 µL) and rapid throughput (10 min per 96 samples)
• Dye-free workflow eliminates costs and time associated with standard curves
• Wide dynamic range avoids repetitive dilutions and extends linear quantification limits
• Fixed pathlength optics yield robust accuracy and precision without moving parts
• Advanced unmix functionality for impurity profiling and plasma component analysis
• 21 CFR Part 11–compliant software ensures secure, audited data management in GLP/QC environments

Future trends and opportunities

As genomic and diagnostic workflows continue to scale, demand for fully automated, high-precision quantification tools will intensify. Future enhancements may include expanded spectral libraries for additional biomarkers, AI-driven deconvolution of complex mixtures, integration with cloud-based data management and miniaturized point-of-care formats. Standardizing UV/Vis quantification across diverse laboratories will further accelerate collaborative research and industry applications.

Conclusion

The Lunatic microfluidic UV/Vis plate reader offers a robust, high-throughput solution for nucleic acid and plasma component quantification. By combining dye-free operation, minimal sample volume, broad dynamic range and advanced spectral unmixing, it streamlines QC workflows, enhances data reliability and supports automation. Its performance and compliance features make it an ideal choice for research, clinical and industrial laboratories.