NanoDrop Alternative – SpecPlate for High-Throughput UV/Vis Quantification
Measure 96 samples simultaneously in a microplate reader—without expensive specialized equipment and without dilution
As the number of samples increases, sequential measurements on the NanoDrop reach their structural limits. The SpecPlate measures all 96 samples in parallel in the UV/Vis range—using the plate reader already available in your lab.
Developed as a KIT spin-off, manufactured and distributed by innoME GmbH: patented measurement chamber technology eliminates meniscus errors, provides 4 independent measurement points per sample, and reduces consumables by up to 75%.
The most common limitations of the NanoDrop
Sequential throughput
Each sample is measured individually. For 96 samples, the measurement process alone takes 30–60 minutes, not including setup and cleanup.
Proprietäres Instrument
The NanoDrop is a dedicated instrument with a purchase price of €8,000–€15,000. Each location requires its own instrument.
Not high-throughput
The system is not designed for NGS sample preparation, biobank quality control, or screening involving several hundred samples per day.
Limited automation
Manual sample loading at the pedestal is difficult to automate. Integration with liquid handlers requires special models.
Open system
The open pedestal requires careful cleaning. Evaporation and residual samples can skew subsequent measurements.
No economies of scale
The cost per measurement does not decrease as sample throughput increases. In high-volume workflows, there is no economic benefit.
Measurement time: 96 samples
40–60 minutes of pure measurement time on the NanoDrop vs. 5–10 minutes with SpecPlate in a microplate reader.
Data points per sample
NanoDrop: 1 measurement per sample. SpecPlate: 4 independent measurement chambers per well.
NanoDrop vs. SpecPlate – A Direct Comparison
A direct comparison of all three systems based on the most important criteria:
Suitable for SpecPlate
Anywhere where the number of samples and time constraints increase.
- NGS-sample preparation - QC for 96+ samples
- Biopharmaceutical QC – mAb, Enzyme, antibody
- bio bank – Routine inspection of large collections
- CRO / DMPK – flexible, automatable workflows
- ATMP producer – regulatory compliance
- Diagnostics – High-Throughput QC
Comparison Table
| Criteria | NanoDrop One | SpecPlate |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement format | Individually, sequentially | 96 samples in parallel Benefit |
| Sample quantity | 1–2 µl | 36 µl |
| Measurement time: 96 samples | 40 - 60 minutes | 5 - 10 minutes –85% |
| Instrument | 8.000–15.000 € | Available Plate reader Benefit |
| Meniscus defect | Possible | Eliminated Benefit |
| Data set / Sample | 1 | 4 measurement chambers Benefit |
| SLAS / Automation | Limited | Complete Benefit |
| Ongoing equipment costs | Maintenance, Service | Disposable plate only |
Compatible plate reader
SpecPlate is compatible with any UV/Vis microplate reader that supports the standard 96-well SBS/SLAS format and measures in the 230–800 nm range:
BMG Labtech
SPECTROstar Nano, SPECTROstar Omega, CLARIOstar Plus, VANTAstar, PHERAstar FSX
Full spectrum 220–1000 nm, <1 sec/well.
Molecular Devices
SpectraMax ABS Plus, SpectraMax i3x, SpectraMax M2/M4/M5
190–1000 nm, 96–384 Well.
Agilent / BioTek
Epoch 2, Synergy H1, Synergy Neo2, Cytation 5
Widespread adoption in Germany.
Tecan
Spark, Infinite 200 PRO, Infinite F Nano
Standard practice at many German research institutions.
Thermo Fisher
Varioskan LUX, Multiskan SkyHigh, Multiskan FC
200–1,000 nm, proven in academic and clinical laboratories.
Not sure?
Please contact us with the model of your disc drive. We'll check compatibility for free.
→ info@innome.de
Price estimate
SpecPlate is designed as a disposable plate—no need to purchase instruments, no service fees.
- One plate: Price on application
- Volume discounts 10 or more plates
- Sample free of charge upon request
- Delivery from German warehouse
- Payment: Invoice within 30 days net
Cost Comparison
| Cost | NanoDrop | SpecPlate |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument | 8.000–15.000 € | €0 (pre-owned device) |
| Service Contract/Year | 800–2.000 € | 0 € |
| Consumables | Proprietär | Open market |
| Costs/Measurement | Does not scale | Volume discount |
| Entry barrier | High | None |
Request a quote or order a sample
innoME GmbH · info@innome.de · +49 89 215 377 00
Frequently Asked Questions
Can SpecPlate completely replace the NanoDrop?
For high-throughput applications involving 24 or more samples, SpecPlate is the more powerful solution. Many laboratories use SpecPlate as their primary system for batch QC and keep the NanoDrop for ad hoc measurements—or replace it entirely.
What kind of record player do I need?
Any UV/Vis instrument with a measurement range of 230–800 nm and a standard 96-well SBS/SLAS format. Compatible with BMG Labtech, Molecular Devices, BioTek/Agilent, and Tecan. Contact us to verify compatibility.
How much sample is required?
SpecPlate requires 36 µl per sample. The NanoDrop operates with 1–2 µl. When measurement time and automatability are important factors, the advantages of SpecPlate clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
Is SpecPlate suitable for DNA, RNA, and proteins?
Yes. DNA/RNA at 260 nm, A260/A280, and protein at 280 nm or 205 nm. Colorimetric assays such as BCA or Bradford are also possible.
How much does SpecPlate cost compared to the NanoDrop?
NanoDrop One: approx. €8,000–15,000 plus ongoing costs. SpecPlate is a disposable plate with no instrument costs. Contact us for a customized quote.
Further comparisons and resources
All relevant pages about SpecPlate on innome.de:
German 
English