The Thermolumimeter FAN-TL2
Developed in cooperation with the University of Leipzig, Institute of Biology I, Department of Plant Physiology.
The FAN-TL2 is a thermoluminometer for measuring thermo- and chemiluminescence from up to 4 samples simultaneously.
The device can be used in plant breeding, pharmacological research and in basic research.
Fields of application
- plant screening for stress tolerance
- differentiation of stress sensitivity against ozone, UV-B or herbicides in crop plants
- testing of new pharmacological compounds for prevention of oxidative stress
Special features
In the FAN-TL2 control electronics and sample compartment are embodied in one device.
- simultaneous measurement of 4 samples
- temperature range from -20 to 180 °C
- integrated single-turnover flash unit
- software control of measurement carriage
- holder for emission filters
- spectral range of light detection 195-900 nm
- water-aided air-cooling
- connectors for flushing the sample compartment with artificial atmosphere (anaerobic, aerobic)
Operating principle
On the temperature stabilized sample holder of the FAN-TL2 up to 4 solid or liquid cell or tissue samples can be placed.
In case of plant material, the the samples are excited by a single turnover flash. Charges separated by this store at temperatures between -20 to +2°C a part of the flash energy.
When the sample is heated by constant temperature gradient these charges can recombine emitting the the stored energy as light. Light emission is recorded by the detectors and plotted as a so-called glow curve against temperature.
Thermoluminescence bands which are situated in the low temperature range between 0-60°C describe the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus. The high temperature range between 60-180°C shows so-called chemiluminescence bands that are a measure of oxidative stress. These bands are induced by products of e.g. lipid peroxidation already formed at physiological temperatures.
So already after 6h the effect of ozone on tomato leaves can be seen from the thermoluminescence curves, whereas this damage can be visually detected not until 5 days later.
See also: What is thermoluminescence? (external link)
Software
Planning the software, easy operation was in the focus of attention. When the software starts up, the communication to the instrument is established and the hardware is initialized automatically. Afterwards, the measurements can be started immediately.
Equipment protecting the hardware from operating errors are integrated as well as safety functions guarding the operator.
Measurement modes can be customized and saved by the user; a template function for frequently used sample types is built-in.
The measurements are displayed graphically and are available in the list of results. The measurement data are saved automatically and can be exported to standard spread sheet software and archived as well.