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An automatic measuring system for bio- and chemiluminescence, the LB 953 is the most versatile luminometer from Berthold, technology leader in luminometry with more than ten years of experience in luminometer design. The LB 953 combines the advantages of the Auto-CliniLumat LB 952, acclaimed worldwide for excellence in Luminescence Immunoassay measurements and the six-channel Biolumat LB 9505, the gold standard in cellular chemiluminescence measurement.
Bioluminescence The LB 953 performs a completely automated ATP Assay. Once a protocol has been created for extraction and reaction steps, measurement and evaluation, no manipulations are required besides introduction of samples and reagents. Extraction and removal of somatic ATP is performed by injection of the appropriate reagents through the first injector. For a subsequent incubation, samples are returned to the sample compartment. Temperature control is optional. After a preset incubation period e. g. 30 min., the samples are transported to the second injector, where the releasing agent for microbial ATP is added. After an optional second incubation period, the detection reagents are injected by the third injector, with the sample in front of the photomultiplier. Measurement may start simultaneously with injection, or after a preset time delay.
Kinetic measurement Using the PC-version of the LB 953, the kinetics of light emission can be monitored with high resolution of 256 data points per measurement. The microprocessor version also allows kinetics monitoring, with 20 data points.
Sensitivity The sensitivity of the instrument was found to be as high as 0.2 femtomoles ATP, as determined after the method of Jago et al., J. Biolum. Chemilum. Vol. 3, 131-145 (1989)
Immunoassays The LB 953 allows you to measure and evaluate any Luminescence Immunoassay (LIA) currently available on the market. Up to 60 different protocols can be stored including:
All raw data of the last 60 assays measured are stored automatically, and can be recalled for recalculation with different smoothing factors or corrected standards.
Cellular Chemiluminescence In cellular chemiluminescence, one usually monitors the kinetics of light emission following cell stimulation for an extended period of time, e. g. 20-60 min. The LB 953 AT allows simultaneous analysis of up to about 100 samples, thanks to its rapid sample changing mechanism. Instead of remaining in the measuring position during the entire analysis time, each sample is monitored periodically. In the time between measurements, the samples are positioned in the temperature controlled incubation area (from 5 C above ambient to 45 C).
For 30 samples, one data point per minute is obtained. This means 40 data points for a 40 minute run, giving more than adequate resolution. During measurement, the collected data is displayed live on the colour screen. If the kinetics to be monitored are relatively fast, e.g. below 2 min, one would complete the entire analysis for each sample before changing over automatically to the next one.
Data Analysis After measurement, there is a variety of data manipulations to choose from:
All calculations are accompanied by a sophisticated but easy-to-use statistical analysis which tells you about the quality of your data! The result printout contains:
Light measurement Selected high sensitivity and low-noise photomultipliers are used as detectors, their spectral sensitivity covering all common chemi-and bioluminescence systems (370-620 nm). The photomultipliers are operated as ultra fast photon counters, a prerequisite for highest sensitivity and long-term stability. For noise reduction, the photomultiplier tube is cooled to 6 C, using a Peltier element.
Sample processing The AutoLumat uses a fast chain system to transport samples between sample compartment, injector locations, and the measuring station. No lift mechanism is required, allowing a sample change-over time of only 0.6 seconds. The user himself can adapt the chain length according to his needs, up to a maximum of 180 sample holders.
Samples may be measured just once (bioluminescence, immunoassay), or they are scanned periodically (cellular chemiluminescence). It is for the latter applications that the chain length will be adjusted, so as to allow the maximum number of data points for a given number of samples. The entire sample compartment is temperature controlled (option), thus functioning as an incubation area.
Instrument control The AutoLumat is available in two versions:
The LB 953 includes a unique microprocessor-based software package for all types of bio- and chemiluminescence measurements, including independent control for each of the three reagent injectors, determination of count rate (cps), with or without background subtraction, averaging and error analysis for replicate measurements. For luminescence immunoassays and DNA probe assays, superior software proven in more than 1000 installations is provided.
The operation is made extremely user-friendly through the combination of soft-keys with an alphanumeric display. The PC version LB 953 AT extends the possibilities for the AutoLumat for the most complex and sophisticated tasks. For immunoassays, the LBIS program (separate brochure available) offers features like automatic generation of compound curves, multitasking functions, and simultaneous operation of up to four instruments.
With Life Sciences Enquiries (Luminometers, Night Owl, HPLC) please email:
| Australia & South East Asia | berthold@berthold.com.au | |
| USA | usbio@berthold.com.au | |
| Europe | eurobio@berthold.com.au |