Versatile open-source fluorescence documentation system

Abstract

Fluorescence has long been the best method for detecting bio-molecules at high sensitivity and with the possibility of easy data analysis and is routine for gel electrophoresis and much more. However, the systems for detecting the fluorophores remain expensive and thus inaccessible to many. Most commercial systems are often only optimized for one specific application, making reuse difficult. This paper demonstrates, characterizes and evaluates an inexpensive and versatile system for the detection of fluorophores with two wavelengths using high power LEDs. The LEDs are arranged in two banks angled downward at a tray in a way that allows for bright and uniform illumination while preventing direct reflections into the camera. The emitted light is filtered through an exchangeable filter frame and can be detected using the camera of a smartphone or similar device. By using filters both in front of the LEDs and the camera, very low background and using sufficient exposure times, very high sensitivity can be achieved. The two wavelengths of excitation light and the exchangeable filters allow for optimization for the specific fluorophore used and thus highest brightness.