LB 916 Colibri+ Microvolume Spectrometer
LB 916 Colibri+ Microvolume Spectrometer
Compact UV-VIS Spectrophotometry for Nucleic Acid and Protein Quantification
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Overview
The LB 916 Colibri+ is a compact, high-performance microvolume spectrometer developed by Berthold Technologies for rapid and accurate quantification of nucleic acids, proteins, and other UV-VIS absorbing samples. Designed to advance research in real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), cloning, and protein biochemistry, the Colibri+ delivers reliable results from as little as 1 µL of sample in less than 3 seconds.
With a wide spectral range from 190 to 1,000 nm, two selectable path lengths, and an intuitive 7-inch colour touchscreen, the Colibri+ offers the flexibility and ease of use required by modern molecular biology laboratories. The instrument is available in two configurations: the standalone Colibri+ for microvolume measurements, and the Colibri+ C which adds cuvette capability with temperature control and stirring for expanded assay versatility.
Applications
The Colibri+ supports a broad range of quantification and analytical applications:
Key Features
- Minimum sample volume of just 1 µL — conserve precious samples
- Measurement completed in less than 3 seconds
- Coefficient of variation of absorbance < 1% for high reproducibility
- Broad detection range: 2 – 20,000 ng/µL for dsDNA; 0.06 – 600 mg/mL for BSA
- Wide spectral range from 190 – 1,000 nm for maximum protocol flexibility
- Dual path lengths: 0.5 mm and 0.05 mm for concentrated samples without dilution
- Sample Guide Light for easy pipetting and air bubble detection
- Hydrophobic coating on quartz window supports consistent measuring column formation
- Shock-absorbing detector arm for gentle closure and accurate microvolume readings
- 7-inch glove-compatible colour LCD touchscreen for intuitive standalone operation
- 32 GB onboard memory with capacity for 500+ password-protected user folders
- Compact footprint of just 206 × 333 × 166 mm to save valuable bench space
- 2-year warranty for peace of mind
Model Configurations
The standard microvolume spectrometer for rapid nucleic acid and protein quantification. Features microvolume measurement with 0.5 mm and 0.05 mm path lengths, 7-inch touchscreen, 32 GB onboard memory, and USB-A connectivity for data export to USB stick.
Expands on the standard Colibri+ with cuvette capability, including temperature control (37–45°C) and stirring (150–850 rpm). Supports additional cuvette path lengths from 0.1 to 10 mm. Includes USB-B for direct PC connectivity and Windows software for advanced data management and kinetics measurements.
Optical Performance
The Colibri+ utilizes a pulsed xenon flash lamp as its light source, coupled with a 2,048-element CMOS detector array. This configuration delivers high-resolution full-spectrum acquisition across the entire 190–1,000 nm range with 1.5 nm spectral resolution and 1.3 nm wavelength accuracy.
Absorbance accuracy is 3.0% at 0.75 A (300 nm), and the equivalent 10 mm absorbance range spans 0.04 to 400 A in microvolume mode, enabling quantification of highly concentrated samples without time-consuming dilution steps.
User Interface & Data Management
The Colibri+ is controlled through an intuitive 7-inch colour LCD touchscreen that remains fully responsive when wearing laboratory gloves. A comprehensive library of preprogrammed protocols simplifies routine measurements, while custom protocol creation allows laboratories to tailor the instrument to specialized workflows.
With 32 GB of onboard memory, the instrument supports standalone operation without an external PC. Users can create more than 500 individual folders, each optionally protected by password, making the Colibri+ ideal for multi-user environments where data segregation and access control are important.
The Colibri+ C model adds USB-B PC connectivity and dedicated Windows software for laboratories requiring advanced data management, remote control, and kinetics measurement capabilities.
Technical Specifications
| Optical System | ||
| Light Source | Pulsed xenon flash lamp | |
| Detector | 2,048-element CMOS array | |
| Wavelength Range | 190 – 1,000 nm | |
| Wavelength Accuracy | 1.3 nm | |
| Spectral Resolution | 1.5 nm (FWHM at Hg 253.7 nm) | |
| Absorbance Accuracy | 3.0% (at 0.75 A at 300 nm) | |
| Measurement Performance | ||
| Minimum Sample Size | 1 µL | |
| Measurement Time | < 3 seconds | |
| CV of Absorbance | < 1% | |
| Detection Range dsDNA | Colibri+: 2 – 20,000 ng/µL | Colibri+ C: 2 – 20,000 ng/µL (microvolume); 0.3 – 75 ng/µL (cuvette) |
| Detection Range BSA | Colibri+: 0.06 – 600 mg/mL | Colibri+ C: 0.06 – 600 mg/mL (microvolume); 0.003 – 2.25 mg/mL (cuvette) |
| Absorbance Range (10 mm eq.) | Colibri+: 0.04 – 400 A | Colibri+ C: 0.04 – 400 A (microvolume); 0.002 – 1.5 A (cuvette) |
| Path Lengths | ||
| Microvolume | 0.5 mm and 0.05 mm | |
| Cuvette (Colibri+ C only) | 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.2, 0.125, 0.1 mm | |
| Cuvette Features (Colibri+ C only) | ||
| Temperature Control | 37 – 45°C | |
| Stirring | 1 – 8 speed levels; 150 – 850 rpm | |
| Interface & Connectivity | ||
| Display | 7-inch glove-compatible colour LCD touchscreen | |
| USB Ports | Colibri+: 1× USB-A (USB stick) | Colibri+ C: 1× USB-A (USB stick); 1× USB-B (PC connectivity) |
| Onboard Memory | 32 GB | |
| User Folders | 500+ (password-protectable) | |
| System Requirements | ||
| Power Input | AC 100 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz | |
| Power Output | DC 24 V, 2.08 A | |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS | |
| Warranty | 2 years | |
| Physical Specifications | ||
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 206 × 333 × 166 mm | |
| Weight | 3.5 kg (7.8 lb) | |
| Sample Format | ≥ 1µl |
|---|---|
| Wavelength Accuracy | ± 1.3 nm |
| Wavelength range | 190 – 1,000 nm |
| Absorbance Range | 0.04 – 400 A |
| Absorbance Accuracy | 3.0% (at 0.75 A at 300 nm) |
| Light Source | Pulsed Xenon flash lamp |
| Detection Limit (dsDNA) | 2 – 20,000 ng/µL |
| Detector | 2,048 CMOS |
| Pathlength | 0.5 mm and 0.05 mm |
| Sensitivity | 2 ng/µL |
| Test Speed | < 3 sec |
| Repeatability | CV < 1% |




