Fluorometer X1 / X2 / X3——StarLighter

Description

The StarLighter Fluorometer X Series is a family of compact microvolume fluorescence instruments designed for rapid nucleic acid and protein quantification. Three configurations are available to meet different laboratory throughput and assay requirements: the single-sample StarLighter X1, the eight-sample DNA-focused StarLighter X2, and the multi-application eight-sample StarLighter X3.

Only 1–20 µL of sample is required for routine quantification workflows. A measurement can be completed in no more than five seconds per sample, helping laboratories conserve valuable samples while reducing the time required for concentration analysis.

The three models differ in both throughput and supported sample types. The X1 supports DNA and RNA measurement for one sample at a time. The X2 processes up to eight samples per run and is intended exclusively for DNA measurement. The X3 processes up to eight samples per run and supports DNA, RNA, ssDNA and protein measurement.

The X3 also provides dedicated Fluorometer and Kinetics programs for direct fluorescence measurement and fluorescence kinetics experiments. Its touchscreen interface supports assay selection, two-point calibration, sample-volume settings, result display, historical-data review and USB data export.

Choose the Appropriate StarLighter Model

Microvolume Quantification

The StarLighter platform requires only 1–20 µL of sample. This makes the instruments suitable for workflows involving limited sample availability or low-concentration nucleic acid and protein preparations.

Fast Laboratory Workflow

Each sample can be measured in no more than five seconds. The touchscreen-guided workflow covers assay selection, calibration, sample-volume entry, measurement and result review.

High-Sensitivity Fluorescence Detection

The instruments use an efficient monochromatic LED light source and a SiPMT fluorescence detector. The documented optical system uses blue excitation at 460–480 nm and green emission at 500–535 nm.

Eight-Sample Processing with X2 and X3

The X2 and X3 accept an eight-tube strip or individual 0.2 mL transparent high-profile PCR tubes. Operators can select the required positions and process as many as eight samples in one run.

Advanced X3 Measurement Programs

In addition to quantitative DNA, RNA, ssDNA and protein assays, the X3 provides direct Fluorometer and Kinetics modes. The Kinetics program can display a fluorescence curve together with starting fluorescence, ending fluorescence, maximum fluorescence, minimum fluorescence and the time required to reach recorded fluorescence points.

Technical Specifications

Model-Specific Configuration

X1 Documented Detection Ranges

The X1 configuration offered on this product page is intended for DNA and RNA measurement only. It is not offered for ssDNA or protein measurement.

X3 Quantification Programs and Ranges

The X3 software identifies its RNA measurement program as “microRNA” and its single-stranded DNA program as “Oligo.”

Features

Three Configurations for Different Workloads

Select a single-sample DNA/RNA instrument, an eight-sample DNA instrument or an eight-sample multi-application instrument without changing to a different product family.

Low Sample Consumption

Only 1–20 µL of sample is required for routine quantitative measurements, helping preserve material for downstream analysis.

Results in Five Seconds or Less

The stated measurement time is no more than five seconds per sample after the prepared reaction tube is loaded.

Eight Independently Selectable Positions

On X2 and X3 models, operators can select the required tube positions and process up to eight samples in one run.

Two-Point Calibration

Quantitative assays use two-point calibration. On the X3, the operator can perform a new calibration using two standards or reuse the previous calibration result when appropriate for the assay.

Touchscreen-Guided Operation

The user interface guides the operator through assay selection, calibration, sample-volume settings, tube-position selection, measurement and result review.

On-Instrument Data Management

Saved experimental records can be searched and reviewed on the instrument. Selected X3 records can be exported after a USB flash drive is inserted.

Direct Fluorescence Measurement

The X3 Fluorometer mode can be used to read fluorescence results independently of its predefined quantitative assay programs.

Fluorescence Kinetics

The X3 Kinetics mode is designed for experiments that require a fluorescence curve over time, including reagent and pharmaceutical research workflows.

Compact Benchtop Footprint

The documented instrument dimensions are 110 × 230 × 45.5 mm, with a weight of approximately 0.5 kg.

Measurement Workflow

1. Select the appropriate measurement program for the installed model.
2. Use the previous valid calibration or perform a new two-point calibration with the required standards.
3. Add 1–20 µL of sample to the compatible transparent PCR tube.
4. Add 180–199 µL of working solution so that the combined reaction volume is 200 µL.
5. Close the tube and gently vortex for 2–3 seconds while minimizing bubble formation.
6. Incubate at room temperature and protect the prepared reaction from light for two minutes, unless the selected assay instructions specify a different incubation period.
7. Load the tube or selected tube positions into the instrument.
8. Enter the sample volume and start the measurement.
9. Review the concentration or fluorescence result on the touchscreen.
10. Open the stored record for later review or export supported records through a USB flash drive.

Protein assays may require a longer incubation period. Follow the instructions supplied with the selected protein assay kit.

Applications

StarLighter X1 Applications

• Routine DNA concentration measurement
• Routine RNA concentration measurement
• Single-sample microvolume laboratory workflows
• Low-concentration nucleic acid quantification

StarLighter X2 Applications

• DNA concentration measurement
• Processing up to eight DNA samples per run
• DNA extraction quality-control workflows
• DNA sample normalization before downstream analysis

StarLighter X3 Applications

• High-sensitivity dsDNA quantification
• Broad-range dsDNA quantification
• RNA and microRNA quantification
• ssDNA and oligonucleotide quantification
• Broad-range protein quantification
• Direct fluorescence measurement
• Fluorescence kinetics experiments
• Reagent research involving fluorescence kinetic curves
• Pharmaceutical research involving fluorescence kinetic curves
• Multi-sample nucleic acid and protein workflows

Operating and Maintenance Guidance

• Operate the instrument indoors at 15–30°C and relative humidity of no more than 75%.
• Place the instrument on a stable, level and dry surface.
• Keep the instrument away from direct sunlight, heat sources, liquids, corrosive gases and strong magnetic interference.
• Avoid introducing bubbles when preparing samples because bubbles may affect fluorescence readings.
• Remove reaction tubes after measurement rather than leaving them inside the instrument.
• Keep standards and prepared samples protected from light between measurements.
• Clean the instrument weekly to help maintain performance and reduce contamination.
• Disconnect the power before cleaning.
• Use a dry cloth or a cloth or cotton swab lightly moistened with water or alcohol.
• Do not rinse the instrument or allow liquid to enter the housing.
• Do not use strong solvents or aggressive cleaning agents.
• Allow the instrument to dry naturally before reconnecting the power.

Warranty

The StarLighter Fluorometer X1, X2 and X3 are supplied with a one-year instrument warranty. If the instrument develops a qualifying warranty issue during the one-year warranty period, it is eligible for free replacement.

The warranty does not cover damage caused by unauthorized disassembly, improper operation, liquid ingress, unsuitable installation conditions or use outside the stated environmental and electrical requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions