The Z600 Standard non-imaging fluorometer is a Double-modulation fluorometer which measures Chl-fluorescence signal with a time resolution of up to 4 µs and detection limit of 100ng/L of chlorophyll.

The core of the Non-imaging Fluorometer is the measuring optical head containing a standard cuvette for sample suspensions (10 x 10 mm base, up to 4 ml of internal volume). The measuring head is supplied with three sets of light-emitting diodes and a PIN diode detector with 500 kHz/16-bit AD converter. Gain and integration time of the converter are software controlled.

Typical Samples:

• Chloroplasts & thylakoids
• Algae & cyanobacteria
• Small leaves or leaf segments

Fluorometer-Supported Investigations:

• Fluorescence induction
• Pulse amplitude modulation measurements (PAM)
• Fast OJIP transient capture
• Rapid measurements of Q_A-reoxidation kinetics
• State transitions
• Quenching parameters
• Photochemical yields
• Determination of the effective antenna size in Photosystem II

The Standard Non-imaging Fluorometer is supplied with three, optionally four, sets of light-emitting diodes that generate:

• Measuring flashes: typically 2-5 µs long. Standard color: red-orange, λmax=617 nm, or blue, λmax=455 nm.
• Single-turnover saturating flashes: typically 20-50 µs long. Standard color: red, λmax=630 nm.
• Continuous actinic light: The maximum intensity is 2,500 µmol(photons).m-2.s-1. Standard color: red, λmax=630 nm, or blue, λmax=455 nm.
• Additional far-red light:  (λmax=735 nm) for Photosystem I excitation (optional).

Light intensities and timing are software controlled separately for each LED set. The data are processed and the instrument is controlled by the FluorWin software (Windows 95/98/2000/XP compatible). As an option, the customer can also choose light-emitting diodes of different wavelengths.  Contact Qubit for your specific needs.

The Standard Non-imaging Fluorometer’s capacity can be enhanced by accurate temperature regulation provided by the Thermoregulator and/or Magnetic Stirrer. To learn more about these devices, click: Thermoregulator and Magnetic Stirrer.

FluorWin Software:

• Creates and archives experimental protocols.
• FluorWin Wizard for automated protocols.
• Retrieval and export of experimental data.
• Data manipulation and visualization.

FluorWin software wizard

FluorWin software: graph window:

state transition data:

References:

• Nedbal et al., 1999, J. Photochem. Photobiol. B: 48, 154-157,
• Koblizek et al., 2001, Photosynth.Res., 68 (2): 141-152
• Trtilek M. et al. (1997): J. Lumin. 72 (74): 597-599.
• Skotnica J. et al. (2000): Photosynth. Res. 65 (1): 29-40.
• Mock T. and Kroon B.M.A. (2002): Phytochemistry 61, pp. 41-51.
• Mock T. and Valentin K. (2004): J. Phycol. 40, pp. 732-741.
• Nedbal L. et al. (2005): Photosynth. Res. 84: 99-106.
• Shlyk-Kerner O. et al. (2006): Nature 442: 827-830.
• Vaczi P. and Bartak M. (2006): Biol. Plant. 50 (2): 257-264.
• Lazar D. (2006): Functional Plant Biology 33 (1): 9-30.

The Z620 Fast Non-imaging Fluorometer is a Double-modulation fluorometer which measures Chl-fluorescence signal with a time resolution of up to 1 µs and detection limit of 100ng chl/L.  This enables combining PAM measurements with fast kinetic measurements of OJIP and of flash fluorescence induction.  This instrument has two input channels.

The core of the Non-imaging Fluorometer is the measuring optical head containing a standard cuvette for sample suspensions (10 x 10 mm base, up to 4 ml of internal volume). The measuring head is supplied with three sets of light-emitting diodes and a PIN diode detector with 500 kHz/16-bit AD converter. Gain and integration time of the converter are software controlled.

Typical Samples:

• Chloroplasts & thylakoids
• Algae & cyanobacteria
• Small leaves or leaf segments

Fluorometer-Supported Investigations:

• Fluorescence induction
• Pulse amplitude modulation measurements (PAM)
• Fast OJIP transient capture
• Rapid measurements of QA-reoxidation kinetics
• State transitions
• Quenching parameters
• Photochemical yields
• Determination of the effective antenna size in Photosystem II

The Fast Non-imaging Fluorometer is supplied with three, optionally four, sets of light-emitting diodes that generate:

• Measuring flashes: typically 2-5 µs long. Standard color: red-orange, λmax=617 nm, or blue, λmax=455 nm.
• Single-turnover saturating flashes: typically 20-50 µs long. Standard color: red, λmax=630 nm.
• Continuous actinic light: The maximum intensity is 2,500 µmol(photons).m-2.s-1. Standard color: red, λmax=630 nm, or blue, λmax=455 nm.
• Additional far-red light: (λmax=735 nm) for Photosystem I excitation (optional).

Light intensities and timing are software controlled separately for each LED set. The data are processed and the instrument is controlled by the FluorWin software (Windows 95/98/2000/XP compatible). As an option, the customer can also choose light-emitting diodes of different wavelengths. Contact Contact Qubit for your specific needs.

The Fast Non-imaging Fluorometer’s capacity can be enhanced by accurate temperature regulation provided by the Thermoregulator and/or Magnetic Stirrer.

FluorWin Software

• Creates and archives of experimental protocols.
• FluorWin Wizard for automated protocols.
• Retrieval and export of experimental data.
• Data manipulation and visualization.

FluorWin software wizard:

FluorWin software: graph window

state transitions data:

References:

• Nedbal et al., 1999, J. Photochem. Photobiol. B: 48, 154-157,
• Koblizek et al., 2001, Photosynth.Res., 68 (2): 141-152
• Trtilek M. et al. (1997): J. Lumin. 72 (74): 597-599.
• Skotnica J. et al. (2000): Photosynth. Res. 65 (1): 29-40.
• Mock T. and Kroon B.M.A. (2002): Phytochemistry 61, pp. 41-51.
• Mock T. and Valentin K. (2004): J. Phycol. 40, pp. 732-741.
• Nedbal L. et al. (2005): Photosynth. Res. 84: 99-106.
• Shlyk-Kerner O. et al. (2006): Nature 442: 827-830.
• Vaczi P. and Bartak M. (2006): Biol. Plant. 50 (2): 257-264.
• Lazar D. (2006): Functional Plant Biology 33 (1): 9-30.

The Z650 High-Sensitivity Fluorometer with its detection limit of 1 ng Chl/l allows measuring of fluorescence induction and of QA reoxidation kinetics with pico-molar chlorophyll concentrations.  The typical experimental material is natural water with phytoplankton.

The core of the instrument is an integrating Teflon sphere containing the liquid sample. The optical ports of the sphere are supplied with three sets of light-emitting diodes and with an avalanche photodiode detector. As an option, the instrument can be supplied with a second detector to capture fluorescence transients in alternative spectral band. Contact Qubit for your specific needs. Measuring flashes, single-turnover saturating flashes, and continuous actinic light are of blue color, λmax=455 nm. Light intensities and timing are software controlled separately for each LED set.

Typical Samples:

• Natural water with phytoplankton
• Chloroplasts & thylakoids
• Algae & cyanobacteria

Fluorometer-Supported Investigations:

• Fluorescence induction
• Pulse amplitude modulation measurements (PAM)
• Fast OJIP transient capture
• Rapid measurements of QA-reoxidation kinetics
• State transitions
• Quenching parameters
• Photochemical yields
• Determination of the effective antenna size in Photosystem II

FluorWin Software:

• Creates and archives experimental protocols.
• FluorWin Wizard for automated protocols.
• Retrieval and export of experimental data.
• Data manipulation and visualization.

FluorWin software: wizard window

FluorWin software: graph window

State transition data window:

References:

• Koblizek et al. 2005, FEMS Microbiology Ecology 51, 353-361).

The Z660 On-line Ultra-High Sensitivity Fluorometer is an exceptionally compact and effective measuring system that integrates numerous operating elements in a minimum of space. This On-line Ultra-High Sensitivity Fluorometer is easily operated via the front touch screen and keypad. It excels in particularly high sensitivity – 0.1 ng Chl/l – and highly accurate timing of the programmed events. Integrated web interface (optional) allows remote control of the experiments.

Highlights:

• Compact and powerful measuring system
• Simple operation via the touch screen
• Ultra-high sensitivity
• Web interface – remote control of currently running experiments (optional)

Touch Screen- parameter settings

Typical Samples:

• Natural water with phytoplankton
• Chloroplasts & thylakoids
• Algae & cyanobacteria

Fluorometer-Supported Investigations:

• Fluorescence induction
• Pulse amplitude modulation measurements (PAM)Fast OJIP transient capture
• Rapid measurements of QA-reoxidation kinetics
• State transitions
• Quenching parameters Photochemical yield determination of the effective antenna size in Photosystem II

FluorWin Software:

• Remote control of the experiments
• Data collection in real time
• Data upload even when the experiment is running
• Data visualization in graphs
• Further processing of data sheets in Excel accessible format

FluorWin software wizard:

State transitions:

graph window:

The Z640 Submersible Fluorometer is designed to measure fluorescence of underwater organisms – plants, corals, or seaweed. The measuring compartment is equipped with a holder that allows easy manipulation under water. Maximum operating depth of the instrument is ca 1 meter (40 inches). The Submersible Fluorometer is supplied with three sets of light-emitting diodes and a PIN diode detector with 1 MHz/16-bit AD converter and software controlled gain and integration time.

The light-emitting diodes of Z640 Submersible Fluorometer can generate

• Measuring flashes: typically 2-5 µs long. Standard color is red-orange (λmax=617 nm).
• Single-turnover saturating flashes: typically 20-50 µs long. Standard color is red (λmax=630 nm).
• Continuous actinic light of the maximum intensity of 1,500 µmol (photons)/m-2/s. Standard color is red (λmax=630 nm

The Z640 Submersible Fluorometer has light intensities and timing controlled by software, separately for each LED set. The data are processed and the instrument is controlled by the Windows 95/98/2000/XP compatible FluorWin software.

FluorWin Software:

• Creates and archives experimental protocols.
• FluorWin Wizard for automated protocols.
• Retrieval and export of experimental data.
• Data manipulation and visualization.

FluorWin software wizard:

Software graph window:

References:

• Hill R. and Ralph P. (2006): Photochem. Photobiol. 82 (6): 1577-1585.

Z900 Algal Online Monitor is a flow through, portable and robust device for online detection and continuous monitoring of photosynthetic microorganisms in both natural and artificial water bodies. It detects and discriminates among variety of cyanobacteria, green and brown algae, diatoms, and other microbes. Its ultra-high sensitivity (30 ng Chl/l) allows early detection of very low concentrations of these organisms.

Measured / Calculated Parameters:

• FT : Instantaneous Fluorescence
• QY: Quantum Yield
• OJIP – Fix Area: total area above the OJIP fluorescence transient. This parameter correlates with total change of fluorescence signal in OJIP protocol, with total pigment content and hence with cell concentration.
• OD measurements at 680 and 720nm

Features:

• Ultra-high sensitive, flow-through monitoring.
• Detection limit 30 ng Chl/l.
• Wide range of detected organisms: cyanobacteria, green and brown algae, diatoms, and other microorganisms.
• Variable excitation colors.
• Turbidity measurement.
• Device modifications for phycoerythrin or phycocyanin (optional).
• Ability to activate alarms/pumps when threshold values of measured parameters are reached
• rugged construction for field use

Applications:

• Water treatment monitoring.
• Early detection of potentially harmful algae blooms.
• Effective control of water treatment chemicals.

FluorPen 1.0 Software

• Real-time data collection for online measurements.
• Both internal data storage and external communication.
• Data export to Excel for analysis or visualization applications.
• Windows 2000* and Windows XP* compatibility.

FluorPen graph and data window

Technical Specification:

• Measured Fluorescence Parameters: FT, QY, OJIP – Fix Area
• Detection Limit: Algae – 10 cells/ml, Cyanobacteria – 100 cells/ml
• Actinic and Saturating Light Intensity: Adjustable from 0 to 3,000 µmol(photons)/m².s
• Measuring Light Intensity: Blue (455 nm) and red (630 nm) measuring light adjustable by intensity, Blue (455 nm) and amber (590 nm) measuring light adjustable by intensity
• Detector Wavelength Range: PIN photodiode with 660 nm – 750 nm bandpass filters
• Sample Compartment: Flow-through cuvette made of quartz glass
• FluorPen 1.0 Software: Windows 2000, XP or higher
• Bios: Upgradeable firmware
• Communication: Serial RS 232, RS 485
• Display: AOM 2800: 2 x 16 characters LC display, AOM 2700: without display
• Memory Capacity: 4 Mb – up to 100,000 data points (about 300 OJIP curves)
• Power Supply: 24 V (optionally 12 V)
• Power Saving Mode: Automatic
• Case: IP65
• Temperature Range: 0 to 45 ºC
• Dimensions: 20 x 23 x 11 cm
• Weight: 3.4 kg

The Z200 Open- FluorCam is a highly modular instrument with flexible geometry.  The LED panels and the light source generating saturating flashes can be arranged at various angles and distances from the sample.  The position of the camera may also be adjusted for added precision.  The maximum area for imaging with standard hardware is 13 x 13 cm, or 20 x 20 cm, depending on the size of selected light sources.  Much larger areas, up to 200 x 100 cm, can be imaged by the addition of LED panels and/or by mounting the whole system on a movable frame. Please  Contact Qubit for further details.

Applications

• Screening for photosynthetic performance
• Stress resistance or susceptibility
• Stomatal patchiness
• Metabolic perturbations
• Growth and yield

Samples:

• Leaves, plants, fruits, vegetables.
• Cyanobacteria, green algae.
• Sample size up to 13 cm x 13 cm, 20 x 20 cm.
• Imaging masks for 384-well plate, 96-well plate, Petri dish, etc.
• Dark room for adaptation as an option.

Experiments and Measured Parameters

• QA reoxidation (optional accessories)
• Quenching
• Kautsky induction
• OJIP (needs optional accessories)
• Fast fluorescence induction with 1us resolution (optional accessories)
• PAR absorptivity (needs optional accessories)
• Measured parameters: Fo, Fm, Fv, Fo’, Fm’, Fv’, QY(II),
• More than 50 calculated parameters including: NPQ, Fv/Fm (Maximum efficiency of photosynthesis), Fv’/Fm’, Fq’/Fm’ (Operating efficiency of photosynthesis PSII), Rfd, qN, qP, PAR-absorptivity, photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR) and others

Images of more than 50 calculated parameters in one measurement:

Light Sources

• 4 Super Bright LED panels with different wavelengths (eg. 390, 450, 470, 505, 570, 605, 630, 735 nm (other also available))
• STF – Single Turnover Flash
• IR 735 nm (FAR)
• Actinic light up to 3,000 µmol (photons)/m²s
• Super pulse up to 7,500 µmol (photons)/m²s
• Variable excitation color

Different Emission Bands:

• 8 position filter wheel (optional).
• Chlorophyll fluorescence (high pass 695 nm, low pass 780 nm), GFP (high pass 495, low pass 660 nm, band pass 505/560

Imaging

• CCD format: 512 x 512 pixels, A/D: 12 bit (4096 grey levels), 50 images per second, 8.2-8.4 um pixel size (standard)
• CCD format: 640 x 480 pixels, A/D: 12 bit (4096 grey levels), 30 images per second, 6.45×6.45 um pixel size (optional)
• CCD format: 1392 x 1040 pixels, A/D: 12 bit (4096 grey levels), 6.45×6.45 um pixel size, 15 images per second (optional)

optional imaging formats are designed for measurements of slow processes and for applications where the higher spacial resolution is of importance.

FluorCam 7.0 Software

• Automated experimental protocols via a Windows Wizard
• Multiple (automatically repeated) experiments
• Automated labeling of individual plants, or samples, within the field of view
• Kinetic analysis of data from all samples within the field of view
• Numerous image manipulation tools
• Barcode reader support
• Export to Excel
• Windows 2000, XP, Vista

FluorCam software window:

Specifications:

• Fluorescence parameters (F0, FM, FV, FO’, FM’, FV’, QY(II)), Abs PAR-value, or the parameters that are calculated from fluorescence emission (e.g., NPQ, FV/FM, FV’/FM’, Rfd, qN, qP), PAR-absorptivity, photosynthetic electron transport rate (PS), and others
• Excitation light sources 390 nm, 450 nm, 470 nm, 505 nm, 570 nm, 605 nm, 630 nm, 735 nm, and others
• Saturating pulses intensity: Blue: Up to 6,000 µmol(photons)/m².s, Red: Up to 7,500 µmol(photons)/m².s, White: Up to 5,000 µmol(photons)/m².s
• Actinic light intensity Up to 3,000 µmol(photons)/m².s
• Filter wheel 8 positions
• Light regime Static or dynamic (sinus form)
• Actinic and saturating light Variable timing, special language and scripts
• Light regime Static or dynamic (sinus form)
• Custom defined protocols Variable timing, special language and scripts
• CCD detector wavelength range 400 – 1000 nm
• CCD format Standard: 512 x 512 pixels; optionally: 640 x 480 pixels or 1392 x 1040 pixels
• Pixel size 8.2 µm x 8.4 µm
• A/D bit resolution 12 bit
• Spectral response QE max at 540 nm (~70 %), 50 % roll-off at 400 nm and 650 nm
• Read-out noise Less than 12 electrons RMS – typically only 10 electrons
• Full-well capacity Greater than 70,000 electrons (unbinned)
• Imaging frequency 50 frames per second
• Bios Upgradeable firmware
• Communication port USB 2.0
• Dimensions 820 (W) x 820 (D) x 420 (H) mm in standard, 975 (W) x 975 (D) x 460 (H) mm in optional
• Weight Appr. 35 kg (standard), Appr. 55 kg (optional)
• Power Input Appr. 1100 W (standard), Appr. 1700 W (optional)
• Electrical 90 – 240 V

References:

• Berger S. et al. (2006): J. Exp. Bot. 58 (4): 797-806.
• Bartak M. et al. (2006): Ecophysiology 149 (4): 553-560.
• Zabka M. et al. (2006): Mycopathologia 162 (1): 65-68.
• Hajek J., Bartak M. and Dubova J. (2006): Biol. Plant. 50 (4): 624-634.
• Matous K. et al. (2006): Photosynth. Res. 90 (2): 243-253.
• Hogewoning S.W. and Harbinson J. (2007): J. Exp. Bot. 58 (3): 453-463.
• Bartak M. et al. (2007): Polar Biol. 31 (1): 47-51.

Applications:

• Screening for photosynthetic performance.
• Stress resistance or susceptibility.
• Stomatal patchiness.
• Metabolic perturbations.
• Growth and yield.

Samples:

• leaves, stems, seeds, roots whole small plants, fruits
• calluses and seedlings on petri plates
• Cyanobacteria, green algae.
• Sample size up to 13 cm x 13 cm.
• Imaging masks for 384-well plate, 96-well plate, Petri dish, etc.

Various Light Sources

• 4 Super Bright LED panels with different wavelengths (for example: 390, 450, 470, 505, 570, 605, 630, 735 nm, and others)
• Standard version of the FluorCam system includes one pair of LED panels (Measuring Light and Actinic Light 1) typically 618 nm. second pair of panels provides Actinic Light 2 and Saturating Pulse (these two panels are mounted on customer’s demand in blue (455 nm), red (618 nm), or white color), other colors also available as options
• Additional LED panel may be mounted around the camera to the top stand in infra-red (735 nm), ultra-violet (360 or 380 nm), or green (505 nm) (optional)
• Single Turnover Flash (STF): 120,000 µmol(photons)/m².s in 100µs pulse (in the Q_A re-oxidation version)
• Actinic light intensity:
  - 300-2,500 µmol(photons)/m²/s in the standard version depending on light wavelength,
  - up to 5,000 µmol(photons)/m²/s in the light-upgraded version
• Super pulse intensity:
  - up to 3,000 µmol(photons)/m².s (in the standard version),
  - up to 10,000 µmol(photons)/m².s (in the light-upgraded version

Different Emission Bands

• Filter wheel with 8 positions
• For chlorophyll fluorescence (high pass 695 nm, low pass 780 nm), GFP (high pass 495, low pass 660 nm, band pass 505/560 nm), PAR (clear glass), YFP, CY3, CY5 and other fluorescence colors (see Z125 GFP FluorCam-Closed)

Experiments and Measured Parameters

• Fv/Fm
• Kautsky induction
• Quenching analysis
• steady state fluorescence eg. ChlF, GFP and other FPs (filter wheel required)
• QA re-oxidation (needs optional electronic module)
• Fast fluorescence induction (OJIP) with 1µs resolution (needs optional electronic module)
• PAR absorptivity (needs optional accessories: filter wheel and additional IR LED panel)
• Measured parameters: F_O, F_M, F_V, F_O’, F_M’, F_V’, F_T
• More than 50 calculated parameters: F_V/F_M, F_V’/F_M’, Phi_PSII , NPQ, qN, qP, Rfd, PAR-absorptivity coefficient, electron transport rate (ETR), and many others

Images of more than 50 calculated parameter in one measurements:

FluorCam 7.0 Software

• Automated experimental protocols via a Windows Wizard.
• Multiple (automatically repeated) experiments.
• Automated labeling of individual plants, or samples, within the field of view.
• Kinetic analysis of data from all samples within the field of view.
• Numerous image manipulation tools.
• Barcode reader support.
• Export to Excel.
• Windows 2000, XP, Vista, W7 compatible

FluorCam Software window:

Specifications:

• Fluorescence parameters: (F0, FM, FV, F0’, FM’, FV’, QY(II)), Abs PAR-value, or the parameters that are calculated from fluorescence emission (e.g., NPQ, FV/FM, FV’/FM’, Rfd, qN, qP), PAR-absorptivity, photosynthetic electron transport rate (PS), and others
• Excitation light sources: 455 nm, 470 nm, 505 nm, 570 nm, 605 nm, 618 nm, 630 nm, 735 nm, white and others
• Saturating pulses intensity: 3,000 µmol(photons)/m²/s (in a standard version), 10,000 µmol(photons)/m²/s (in the light-upgraded version)
•  Actinic light intensity:   Up to 2,500 µmol(photons)/m²/s (depending on light wavelength)
• Filter wheel: 8 positions
• Light regime: Static or dynamic (sinus form)
• Actinic and saturating light: Variable timing, special language and scripts
• Custom defined protocols: Variable timing, special language and scripts
• CCD detector wavelength range:  400 – 1000 nm
• CCD format:512 x 512 pixels; optionally 1024 x 768 pixels or 1392 x 1040 pixels
• Imaging frequency: Maximum 50 frames per second
• pixel size: 8.2 µm x 8.4 µm; optionally 6.45 µm x 6.45 µm
• A/D bit resolution: 12 bit (4096 gray levels)
• Spectral response: QE max at 540 nm (~70 %), 50 % roll-off at 400 nm and 650 nm
• Read-out noise: Less than 12 electrons RMS – typically only 10 electrons
• Full-well capacity: Greater than 70,000 electrons (unbinned)
• Bios: upgradeable firmware
• Communication port: USB 2.0
• Dimensions: 471 x mm x 473mm x 512 mm
• Weight: 40 kg
• Power input: 1100 W
• Electrical: 90 -240V

References:

• Chi W. et al.(2008):Plant Physiol. 147:573-584.
• Miura E. et al.(2007): Plant Cell 19: 1313-1328.
• Hogewoning S.W. and Harbinson J. (2007): J. Exp. Bot. 58 (3): 453-463.
• Bartak M. et al. (2007): Polar Biol. 31 (1): 47-51.
• Pfalz J. et al. (2006): Plant Cell 18: 176-197.
• Berger S. et al. (2006): J. Exp. Bot. 58 (4): 797-806.
• Bartak M. et al. (2006): Ecophysiology 149 (4): 553-560.
• Zabka M. et al. (2006): Mycopathologia 162 (1): 65-68.
• Hajek J., Bartak M. and Dubova J. (2006): Biol. Plant. 50 (4): 624-634.
• Matous K. et al. (2006): Photosynth. Res. 90 (2): 243-253.
• Diaz C. et al. (2005): Plant Physiology 138: 898-908.

The Z300 Handy FluorCam is designed for kinetically resolved chlorophyll fluorescence imaging of leaves, small plants, stems, seeds, roots, tissues on plates both in a field and laboratory. The typical size of an investigated object is up to 3.5 x 3.5 cm.  The essential features of the Z300 Handy FluorCam are similar to the Z100 FluorCam Closed .

The Z300 Handy FluorCam is an easily portable system.  Optional accessories include  sealed lead acid batteries in a convenient bag carried on the shoulder, ultra light tripod, leaf clip, battery pack.

leaf Clip for Z300

Z300 Handy FluorCam generates images of fluorescence signal at any moment of the experiment and presents them using a false color scale. Full kinetic analysis is available.

In all applications, the camera allows imaging of fluorescence transients that are induced by actinic light or by saturating flashes. The timing and amplitude of actinic irradiance are determined by user-defined protocols.The FluorCam software package (included along with a PC computer) provides a Wizard with the most frequently used experimental protocols. For an experienced professional, the software offers a sophisticated programming language that can be used for designing novel timing and measuring sequences.

Applications:

• Screening for photosynthetic performance.
• Heterogeneity investigation within a single plant or leaf, e.g., for infection, necrotic changes, senescence, abiotic stress.
• Investigation for differences among many organisms, e.g., algal or cyanobacterial colonies, small plant canopies.
• Growth and yield.

Experiments and Measured Parameters:

• Quenching.
• Kautsky induction.
• QA reoxidation (needs optional accessories).
• Measured parameters: Fo, FM, FV, Fo’, FM’, FV’, QY(II).
• More than 50 calculated parameters: NPQ, FV/FM, FV’/FM’, Rfd, qN, qP, PAR-absorptivity, electron transport rate (ETR), and many others.

Images of more than 50 calculated parameters from one measurement:

Standard Imaging Format:

• 512 x 512 pixels.
• A/D: 12 bit (4096 grey levels).
• 8.2 µm x 8.4 µm pixel size.
• 50 images per second.
• Advantageous for rapid processes measurements.

Optional Imaging Format:

• 640 x 480 pixels and 1392 x 1040 pixels, respectively.
• A/D: 12 bit (4096 grey levels).
• 6.45 µm x 6.45 µm pixel size.
• 30 and 15 images per second, respectively.
• Great for slow processes measurements and for applications where the higher spatial resolution is of high importance.

Light Sources:

• Four super bright LED light panels.
• Panel size: 40 x 40 mm, each containing 25 LEDs.
• Standard configuration: white light (actinic light and superpulse); red-orange light 617 nm (measuring flashes).
• Measuring flash duration 10 µs – 250 µs.
• Continuous actinic light adjustable in duration and power (up to 2,000 µmol(photons)/m².s).
• Inquire for other color options.

FluorCam 7.0 Software

• Automated experimental protocols via a Windows Wizard.
• Multiple (automatically repeated) experiments.
• Automated labeling of individual plants, or samples, within the field of view.
• Kinetic analysis of data from all samples within the field of view.
• Numerous image manipulation tools.
• Barcode reader support.
• Export to Excel.
• Windows 2000, XP, Vista compatible

FluorCam software window:

References:

Vanova L. et al. Fluoranthene influences endogenous abscisic acid level and primary photosynthetic processes in pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants in vitro: Plant Growth Regulation 57:39-47 (2009)

 Yoshida K. et al. Influence of Chloroplastic Photo-Oxidative Stress on Mitochondrial Alternative Oxidase Capacity and Respiratory Properties: A Case Study with Arabidopsis yellow variegated 2: Plant Cell Physiology 49(4):592-603 (2008)

 Tashyrev O. et al. Structure and Functions of Microbial Cenoses in Model Ecosystem of Antarctic Oasis (Biogeographical Polygon of Galindez Island): Identification of Model Ecosystems in Extreme Environments (Carex). Spain (2008)

 Chi W, Ma J, Zhang D, Guo J, Chen F, Lu C, Zhang L. The Pentratricopeptide Repeat Protein DELAYEDGREENING1 Is Involved in the Regulation of Early Chloroplast Development and Chloroplast Gene Expression in Arabidopsis.  Plant Physiology V147: 573-584 (2008)

 Berger S, Benediktyova Z, Matous K, Bonfig K, Mueller MJ, Nedbal L, Roitsch T.  Visualization of dynamics of plant-pathogen interaction by novel combination of chlorophyll fluorescence imaging and statistical analysis: differential effects of virulent and avirulent strains of P.syringae of oxylipins on A. thaliana. Journal of Experimental Botany. V58: 797-806 (2007)

The Z125 GFP Closed FluorCam can serve for a number of applications using green fluorescent proteins in molecular and cellular biology.  The basic system of the Z100 Closed FluorCam (CCD camera, four fixed LED panels) is supplemented by a fully motorized and software-controlled filter wheel and appropriate filter sets for the detection and imaging of green fluorescent protein (GFP), red-shifted GFP, or yellow fluorescent protein (YFP).  The blue emitting and red fluorescent protein can be detected and imaged in absence of chlorophyll.  The device configuration also provides user-friendly and quick transition between the GFP and chlorophyll fluorescence detection and imaging.

Applications:

• GFP detection and expression studies.
• Screening of photosynthetic performance.
• stress resistance studies.
• Plant-microbe interactions research.
• Bacterial-protozoan interactions research.

Samples:

• Leaves, stems, seeds, roots whole small plants, fruits
• small animals
• calluses, seedlings on petri plates
• Cyanobacteria, green algae, bacteria.
• Sample size up to 13 cm x 13 cm.

GFP Arabidopsis seedlings on petri plate:

Experiments and Measured Parameters:

• Fv/Fm
• Quenching.
• Kautsky induction.
• QA reoxidation (needs optional accessories).
• OJIP (needs optional accessories).
• Fast fluorescence induction with 1µs resolution (needs optional accessories).

Key Features:

• Combines imaging of GFP and chlorophyll fluorescence.
• Included high-resolution CCD camera: full resolution 1392 x 1040 (15 fps), 30 fps at resolution 640 x 480; integration times from microseconds to seconds; binning options. The camera is specifically intended for detection of weak signals demanding long integration times; the setup retains most of the functionalities for chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics measurement.
• Four light-upgraded LED panels (4 panels 470 nm OR 2 panels 447 nm + 2 panels 470 nm OR 2 panels 627 nm and 2 panels 470 nm) Additional UV, 505, 570, 605, 630, 735 nm (optional).
• 8 position filter wheel – motorized and software-controlled (included).
• Adjustable shelf system for different plant sizes (included).
• Dark room for adaptation (included).
• Supplied with a high-end computer and user-friendly software (included).

Filter sets for the most commonly used GFP proteins:

Proteins of the GFP family demonstrate a great spectral diversity and they often have different excitation and emission spectra. Therefore it is important to use the most appropriate filter sets so as to obtain maximum sensitivity for GFP viewing.

• Red-shifted variants ( EGFP)

Single excitation peak is centered at about 488 nm and the emission peak is at 507 nm.
Suggested filter set: short pass 480 for excitation and 532/28 or 530/25 for emission.

• Original  GFP variants (GFP)

Single excitation peak is centered at about 395 nm and the emission peak is at 504 nm.
Suggested filter set: short pass 420nm for excitation and 532/28 or 530/25 for emission.

• Blue-emitting variants (EBFP)

Excitation peak around 384 nm and the emission peak near 448 nm.
Suggested filter set:  short pass 400nm for excitation and 469/35 for emission.

Tsien (1998). Annu. Rev. Biochem. 67: 509-544.

FluorCam 7.0 Software

• Automated experimental protocols via a Windows Wizard.
• Multiple (automatically repeated) experiments.
• Automated labeling of individual plants, or samples, within the field of view.
• Kinetic analysis of data from all samples within the field of view.
• Numerous image manipulation tools.
• Imaging masks for 384-well plate, 96-well plate, Petri dish, etc.
• Barcode reader support.
• Export to Excel.
• Windows 2000, XP, Windows 7, Vista compatible.

GFP expression in corn kernels as captured by GFP FluorCam – closed:

Corn kernels captured by the GFP FluorCam – closed.  GFP expressing kernels in upper rows, control kernels in bottom rows: