FS-M2001 StarLighter Fluorometer X1

Description

Laboratories measuring low-concentration nucleic acid or protein samples need to preserve valuable sample volume while obtaining results quickly. The FS-M2001 StarLighter Fluorometer X1 is a compact microvolume fluorometer designed for the quantitative detection of DNA, RNA and protein using only 1–20 µL of sample.

This DNA, RNA and protein fluorometer supports dsDNA, RNA, microRNA, ssDNA/Oligo and protein quantification. It also includes Fluorometer and Kinetics programs for fluorescence measurement and fluorescence kinetics experiments. A single sample can be measured in no more than five seconds.

The FS-M2001 uses efficient monochromatic LED light sources, blue and red excitation channels, green and red emission channels, and a SiPMT detector. Its stated sensitivity reaches 0.01 ng/µL for dsDNA, 0.05 ng/µL for ssDNA, 0.25 ng/µL for RNA and 0.05 ng/µL for microRNA.

Samples are prepared in 0.5 mL transparent thin-wall PCR tubes. The built-in five-inch touchscreen provides access to assay programs, calibration, sample-volume settings, experimental results, stored data, system settings and software updates. Measurement data can be reviewed on the instrument and exported through a USB flash drive.

Microvolume Quantification for Routine Laboratory Workflows

The FS-M2001 microvolume fluorometer helps laboratories address practical requirements such as limited sample availability, low analyte concentrations, short measurement times and the need to quantify different biomolecules on one compact instrument.

• Uses only 1–20 µL of sample
• Completes one sample measurement in no more than five seconds
• Quantifies dsDNA, ssDNA, RNA, microRNA and protein
• Uses standard 0.5 mL transparent thin-wall PCR tubes
• Provides two-point calibration for quantitative assays
• Displays results through a five-inch touchscreen
• Stores experimental data for later review
• Exports selected data through a USB flash drive
• Supports raw fluorescence measurement
• Supports fluorescence kinetics experiments

Fluorescence Detection System

The instrument is equipped with blue excitation from 460–480 nm and red excitation from 630–650 nm. Its emission channels cover green fluorescence from 500–535 nm and red fluorescence from 670–710 nm. Fluorescence signals are detected using a SiPMT detector.

Simple Measurement Workflow

1. Select the required dsDNA, RNA, Oligo, Protein, Fluorometer or Kinetics program from the touchscreen.
2. Use the previous calibration result or perform a new calibration with the required standards.
3. Set the sample volume from 1–20 µL.
4. Place the prepared 0.5 mL transparent thin-wall PCR tube into the instrument.
5. Close the lid and start the measurement.
6. Review the concentration or fluorescence result on the touchscreen.
7. Open the data record for detailed experimental information or export selected records using a USB flash drive.

Specification

Quantification Program Ranges

Features

Microvolume Sample Measurement

The FS-M2001 requires only 1–20 µL of sample for DNA, RNA and protein quantification. This supports laboratory workflows in which the available sample volume is limited.

Fast Quantification

Each sample measurement is completed in no more than five seconds after the prepared tube is inserted and the measurement is started.

Multiple Biomolecule Programs

Installed assay programs cover dsDNA, RNA, microRNA, ssDNA/Oligo and protein. Separate Fluorometer and Kinetics programs expand the instrument beyond routine concentration measurements.

Dual-Channel Fluorescence Detection

Blue and red excitation channels are combined with green and red emission channels. The instrument uses efficient monochromatic LED light sources and a SiPMT detector.

Five-Order Linear Range

The fluorometer provides a linear range covering five orders of magnitude.

Two-Point Calibration

Quantification programs use two-point calibration. Operators can perform a new calibration with two standards or use the previous calibration result when appropriate for the experiment.

Touchscreen Operation

The five-inch touchscreen provides direct access to assay selection, calibration, sample-volume settings, measurements, data records and instrument settings.

Data Review and USB Export

Experimental records can be searched by time and opened for detailed review. Selected records can be exported after a USB flash drive is inserted.

Fluorescence Kinetics Measurement

The Kinetics program is intended for observing experimental kinetic curves during reagent or pharmaceutical research. Users can set the measurement interval and number of measurement points. The results screen displays the kinetic curve, starting and ending fluorescence, maximum and minimum fluorescence, and the time required to reach fluorescence points.

Compact Benchtop Design

With dimensions of 110 × 230 × 45.5 mm and a weight of 0.5 kg, the FS-M2001 is a compact benchtop microvolume fluorometer.

Application

The FS-M2001 is designed for indoor research laboratory use in the following applications:

• High-sensitivity dsDNA quantification
• Broad-range dsDNA quantification
• High-sensitivity RNA quantification
• Broad-range RNA quantification
• Extended-range RNA quantification
• microRNA quantification
• ssDNA and oligonucleotide quantification
• Protein broad-range quantification
• Raw fluorescence measurement
• Fluorescence kinetics measurement
• Reagent research experiments requiring kinetic fluorescence curves
• Pharmaceutical research experiments requiring kinetic fluorescence curves

DNA and RNA Sample Preparation

1. Add 1–20 µL of sample to a 0.5 mL transparent thin-wall PCR tube.
2. Add 180–199 µL of working solution.
3. Keep the combined sample and working-solution volume at 200 µL.
4. Close the tube and gently vortex for 2–3 seconds while avoiding bubbles.
5. Incubate at room temperature and protect the tube from light for two minutes.
6. Read the standards, place the reaction tube in the instrument and select the sample volume.

Protein BR Sample Preparation

1. Add 10 µL or 20 µL of sample to a 0.5 mL transparent thin-wall PCR tube.
2. Add 160 µL or 150 µL of protein assay buffer to obtain a combined volume of 170 µL.
3. Mix by pipetting several times.
4. Add 30 µL of Protein BR assay reagent to obtain a final volume of 200 µL.
5. Close the tube and vortex for 5–7 seconds.
6. Incubate at room temperature for 10 minutes.
7. Place the tube in the instrument and read the result.

Frequently Asked Questions