A fluorometer is an instrument that is used for fluorometric quantitation, as it allows the quantification, detection and monitoring of analytes and their reactions in the laboratory, such as chlorophyll. This equipment measures the fluorescent signal intensity (fluorescence) from stains attached to biological molecules, as well as natural fluorescent molecules based on excitation (Ex) and emission (Em) wavelengths.

Fluorescence is defined as a type of luminescence occurring in substances, whether gaseous, liquid or solid, that are capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation (e.g. light) and emitting some of that energy as radiation of a wavelength other than absorbed.

Characteristics of a fluorometer

A fluorometer is a laboratory instrument that uses optical filters to isolate incident light and fluorescent light and measures the ability of the specimen to absorb light at a wavelength and emits light at a longer wavelength. They are highly sensitive devices, and their optical filters are generally inexpensive and easy to change. This makes fluorometers very useful in scientific and experimental research, and also for academic purposes.

In these instruments, a light source emits light of an excitation wavelength for the compound to be measured or analyzed. The excitation of the compound to be analyzed is produced by the use of optical filters, these work blocking other wavelengths and transmits the appropriate wavelength to produce excitation of the compound. Light generated by the radiation source passes through the sample to be measured, and a certain amount of wavelength is absorbed, while it is then emitted at a higher wavelength. This light that is emitted is measured by a detector.

What is chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll, the green pigment that plants and algae use to capture sunlight, emits a faint red light during photosynthesis. Phenomenon known as “chlorophyll fluorescence”, imperceptible to the human eye, but providing information about the instantaneous rate of photosynthesis, which provides an “optical door” that tracks the functional and health status of the plant.

The light energy absorbed by the chlorophyll molecules in the leaf has three possible fates: Most of it will be used in photosynthesis (photochemical energy). A small part of the energy, which cannot be used in photosynthesis, is dissipated as heat or can be re-emitted as light (in the form of fluorescence) so that the excess energy does not damage photosystems. The amount of energy emitted as fluorescence is very small.

Measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence

The fluorescence of chlorophyll today is considered a very useful tool to assess the photosynthetic state and detect physiological and environmental changes of plants. Fluorescence emitted by chlorophyll accounts for 1 to 3% of total absorbed light. The spectrum of fluorescence is different from that of absorbed light, with a peak emission at a higher wavelength, the spectrum of emission of chlorophyll shows a peak at 682 nm, therefore the fluorescence can be quantified by exposing the leaf to a known wavelength, less than 670 nm. And then measuring the light emitted at a longer wavelength, between 670 and 750 nm.

Measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence is a key technique for the evaluation of plant physiology, as it provides essential information about the state of photosystem II.  Thus, it allows assessing growth and development parameters, stress detection, plant responses to environmental changes, genetic variation and ecological diversity. They are quick and very effective measures that do not destroy the plant and that inform the changes produced at leaf level.

What does Kalstein offer you?

Kalstein is a company MANUFACTURER of medical and laboratory equipment of the highest quality and the best technology at the best PRICES in the market, so you can make your PURCHASE confidently with us, knowing that you have the service and advice of a company specialized in the field and committed to provide you with safe, economical and effective options to perform your functions in the right way. HERE

This time we present our Fluorometer YR412-A. This cutting-edge technology equipment has the following features:

• It’s a simple device: a small, easy-to-use 4.3-inch touch screen.
• Easy measurement in 3 seconds for DNA, RNA and proteins.
• High sensitivity: lower limit of detection for DNA is 0.5pg/ul
• Two optical channels: equipped with two fluorescence channels for nucleic acid, protein quantification in one detection.
• Linear dynamic range: five orders of magnitude.
• Opening system: You can combine the instrument with the reagent you choose.
• You can store up to 1,000 data and output per USB port.
• Adapter: 0.5 mL qPCR tube adapter 0.2 mL qPCR tube adapter.

For more information we invite you to check HERE