Biolum’ RGB: A Low-Cost, Versatile, and Sensitive Bioluminescence Imaging Instrument for a Broad Range of Users

Luminometer and imaging systems are used to detect and
quantify
low light produced by a broad range of bioluminescent proteins. Despite
their everyday use in research, such instruments are costly and lack
the flexibility to accommodate the variety of bioluminescence experiment
formats that may require top or bottom signal acquisition, high or
medium sensitivity, or multiple wavelength detection. To address the
growing need for versatile technologies, we developed a highly customizable
bioluminescence imager called Biolum’ RGB that uses a consumer
color digital camera with a high-aperture lens mounted at the bottom
or top of a 3D-printed dark chamber and can quantify bioluminescence
emission from cells grown in 384-well microplates and Petri dishes.
Taking advantage of RGB detectors, Biolum’ RGB can distinguish
spectral signatures from various bioluminescence probes and quantify
bioluminescence resonant energy transfer occurring during protein–protein
interaction events. Although Biolum’ RGB can be used with any
smartphone, in particular for low bioluminescence signals, we recommend
the use of recent digital cameras which offer better sensitivity and
high signal/noise ratio. Altogether, Biolum’ RGB combines the
benefits of a plate reader and imager while providing better image
resolution and faster acquisition speed, and as such, it offers an
exciting alternative for any laboratory looking for a versatile, low-cost
bioluminescence imaging instrument.