In the life sciences, many laboratories rely on fast, accurate, and reliable measurement techniques. This is especially true in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and DNA concentration and purity analysis, where quantitative absorption spectroscopy plays a key role. Leading instrument manufacturers are now turning to UV-C LEDs (in the 100–280 nm range) as an alternative to traditional light sources to meet evolving user demands. UV-C LEDs offer the potential for smaller, more affordable systems, helping manufacturers stand out in a competitive market.
While UV LEDs in other wavelength ranges have already found widespread use, their application in the UV-C band has been limited by efficiency challenges, particularly at the higher end of the spectrum. However, recent advancements in UV-C LED technology have made them increasingly viable for lab-centric applications. Laboratories are seeking compact, cost-effective instruments that can boost productivity without sacrificing performance. Emerging technologies are enabling miniaturization, which not only cuts costs but also reduces the space required in labs. Affordable, small-scale LED-based instruments allow researchers to perform routine measurements right at their benches, while full-spectrum UV lamps remain available for more complex analyses, helping to avoid bottlenecks and improve overall efficiency.
Previously, the lower performance of UV-C LEDs hindered their adoption. But with the development of higher-quality components, manufacturers can now leverage these LEDs to create innovative, cost-effective instruments. In this article, we explore some of the key applications of UV-C LEDs in life science instrumentation.
**UV-C LEDs Enable Fixed Wavelength Detection in HPLC**
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a powerful technique used to separate mixtures of compounds based on their interactions with a stationary and mobile phase. The separated components are then detected using ultraviolet absorbance. HPLC is widely used in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and quality control for tasks like protein purification and drug development.
Traditionally, HPLC detectors have used xenon lamps due to their stable output over time. Xenon lamps provide consistent light intensity, which is crucial for detecting low concentrations of compounds. Compared to other UV sources like mercury or xenon flash lamps, xenon lamps offer two orders of magnitude better stability.
However, modern high-performance UV-C LEDs now match the stability of top-tier xenon lamps, with peak fluctuations below 0.005%. These LEDs offer similar sensitivity but at a fraction of the size and cost, making them ideal for fixed-wavelength detection. They also last longer, turn on instantly, and can be easily fiber-coupled, offering advantages in isolation and integration.
For fixed-wavelength HPLC systems, the main cost difference comes from the light source and associated components. An HPLC system using an LED detector typically includes a power supply, photodiode, and beam splitter, costing around $750. In contrast, xenon-based systems require more expensive power supplies and optical filters, pushing the total cost closer to $4,000. Figure 1 illustrates the design differences between xenon lamp and UV-C LED-based systems.
**Reducing Costs in DNA Purity Measurements**
Another promising application of UV-C LEDs is in DNA concentration and purity analysis. Accurate DNA quantification is essential in fields like genomics, forensics, and biotechnology. DNA and proteins absorb light at 260 nm and 280 nm, respectively, and the ratio of these absorbances indicates sample purity.
Traditional systems use xenon flash lamps, which provide rapid, stable illumination. However, these lamps emit broad-spectrum light, requiring expensive filters to isolate the desired wavelengths. Additionally, they demand high voltages and complex electronics, increasing system costs.
UV-C LEDs, on the other hand, can match the performance of xenon lamps in narrow spectral bands. For example, a 1-mW UV-C LED at 260 nm delivers comparable results to a 15W xenon flash lamp, with less wasted energy and higher peak power. As shown in Figure 2, LEDs provide more efficient light output at the target wavelength.
Moreover, UV-C LEDs enable highly linear measurements across a wide concentration range, from 0.5 ng/μl to 2000 ng/μl, as demonstrated in Figure 3. Their monochromatic nature simplifies system design, reducing the need for complex optics and lowering overall costs.
**LED System Efficiency and Performance**
Beyond initial component costs, system efficiency also plays a major role in long-term expenses. UV-C LED systems consume only about 2W of power, compared to 2–60W for xenon flash lamps. Since LEDs deliver light directly at the desired wavelength, they avoid the inefficiencies of filtering out unwanted light.
As a result, UV-C LED-based systems can match or even exceed the performance of traditional UV lamp systems, while offering greater efficiency, lower costs, and smaller form factors. These benefits make them ideal for a wide range of applications in life science instrumentation.
By leveraging UV-C LEDs, manufacturers can create more reliable, compact, and cost-effective instruments that meet the growing demand for productivity, affordability, and miniaturization in the life sciences.
**Editor: Yan Zhixiang**
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Xuzhou Jiuli Electronics Co., Ltd , https://www.xzjiulielectronic.com