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

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

Specification

FS-M2001 Technical Specifications
Parameter	Specification
Product name	StarLighter Fluorometer X1
Model	FS-M2001
Instrument type	Microvolume fluorometer
Sample volume	1–20 µL
Throughput	1 sample
Compatible sample tube	0.5 mL transparent thin-wall PCR tube
Measurement time	≤5 seconds per sample
Linear range	Five orders of magnitude
Stated dsDNA detection range	0.01–1000 ng/µL
Stated RNA detection range	0.25–1000 ng/µL
Light source	Efficient monochromatic LED
Excitation channels	Blue: 460–480 nm; Red: 630–650 nm
Emission channels	Green: 500–535 nm; Red: 670–710 nm
Detector	SiPMT
dsDNA sensitivity	0.01 ng/µL
ssDNA sensitivity	0.05 ng/µL
RNA sensitivity	0.25 ng/µL
microRNA sensitivity	0.05 ng/µL
Calibration	Two-point calibration
Display	Five-inch touchscreen
Interfaces	USB flash drive port, USB port and power port
Power requirement	DC 5 V, 2 A
Maximum power	10 W
Operating temperature	15–30°C
Relative humidity	≤75%
Operating environment	Indoor use only
Maximum operating altitude	Up to 2000 m
Transportation and storage temperature	-20–60°C
Dimensions	110 × 230 × 45.5 mm
Weight	0.5 kg

Quantification Program Ranges

Installed Quantification Programs and Sample Ranges
Program	Sample concentration range	Sample amount
dsDNA High Sensitivity	0.005–120 ng/µL	0.1–120 ng
dsDNA Broad Range	0.2–2000 ng/µL	2–2000 ng
RNA High Sensitivity	0.25–100 ng/µL	5–100 ng
RNA Broad Range	1–1000 ng/µL	20–1000 ng
RNA Extended Range	10–10000 ng/µL	200–10000 ng
microRNA	0.05–100 ng/µL	1–1000 ng
ssDNA	0.05–200 ng/µL	1–200 ng
Protein BR Assay Kit	100–2000 ng/µL	1–400 µg

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

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

Protein BR Sample Preparation

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FS-M2001 microvolume fluorometer used for?

The FS-M2001 is used for quantitative fluorescence measurement of dsDNA, ssDNA, RNA, microRNA and protein. It also provides raw fluorescence and fluorescence kinetics programs.

How much sample does the FS-M2001 require?

The instrument requires 1–20 µL of sample for its microvolume quantification workflows.

How long does one measurement take?

The stated measurement time is no more than five seconds per sample.

Can the FS-M2001 quantify DNA, RNA and protein?

Yes. The installed programs support dsDNA, RNA, microRNA, ssDNA/Oligo and protein quantification.

What is the dsDNA sensitivity of the FS-M2001?

The stated dsDNA sensitivity is 0.01 ng/µL.

What is the RNA sensitivity of the FS-M2001?

The stated RNA sensitivity is 0.25 ng/µL.

Can the FS-M2001 measure microRNA?

Yes. The instrument includes a microRNA program with a stated sensitivity of 0.05 ng/µL and a listed sample concentration range of 0.05–100 ng/µL.

Can the FS-M2001 quantify ssDNA or oligonucleotides?

Yes. The Oligo program is used for ssDNA quantification. Its listed sample concentration range is 0.05–200 ng/µL.

What sample tubes are compatible with the FS-M2001?

The instrument uses 0.5 mL transparent thin-wall PCR tubes.

Does the FS-M2001 use two-point calibration?

Yes. Quantitative measurements use two-point calibration. The software guides the operator through reading Standard 1 and Standard 2.

Can a previous calibration be reused?

When a quantification program is selected, the instrument allows the operator to use the previous calibration result or perform a new calibration.

Does the FS-M2001 have a raw fluorescence mode?

Yes. The Fluorometer program allows the operator to select an experiment, insert the prepared sample and measure its fluorescence result.

Does the FS-M2001 support fluorescence kinetics measurement?

Yes. The Kinetics program records a fluorescence kinetic curve according to the selected interval and number of measurement points. It displays the starting fluorescence, ending fluorescence, maximum fluorescence, minimum fluorescence and fluorescence-point timing.

Can measurement data be exported?

Yes. Experimental records can be selected and exported after a USB flash drive is inserted into the instrument.

Why can repeated fluorescence readings decrease over time?

Readings can decrease when a tube remains in the fluorometer and becomes warmer during repeated measurements. Continuous excitation can also reduce the fluorescence signal of the dye.

How should repeated measurements be performed?

Remove the tube from the instrument after reading. If another reading is required, keep the tube protected from light and allow it to rest outside the instrument before measuring again. The product instructions recommend approximately five minutes between repeated measurements when the value decreases during continuous testing.

Does temperature affect fluorescence measurement results?

Yes. The fluorescence signal can vary with temperature. Measurements tend to be higher at lower temperatures and lower at higher temperatures. Standards and samples should be measured under consistent room-temperature conditions.

What is the required operating environment?

The FS-M2001 is intended for indoor use at 15–30°C and relative humidity of no more than 75%. The maximum stated operating altitude is 2000 m.

How should the FS-M2001 be cleaned?

Turn off the power before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or a cloth or cotton swab slightly moistened with water or alcohol. Do not rinse the instrument, use a wet cloth, apply strong cleaning agents or allow liquid to enter the instrument. Do not turn the power on until the instrument is naturally dry.

How often should the fluorometer be cleaned?

The instrument should be cleaned weekly to help maintain performance, service life and contamination control.

What should be done if liquid enters the instrument?

Immediately turn off the power, disconnect the power cable and contact the supplier or authorized service personnel. The instrument must not be opened or repaired while powered.