Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Im doing a project with dinoflagelletes this year and I want to know how to measure bioluminescence. Im trying to see the effects of ocean acidification on bioluminescence and I need to find a specific way to measure it. Plz help me. Thank you very much.

Sincerely, kgaur

Hi Kgaur

This sounds like a great project, and being able to measure your results will be very important for success with this project.

Bioluminescence is measured with an instrument called a luminometer. Since this is an expensive piece of equipment it would be helpful if you had access to a laboratory and could use the luminometer. Are you close to a university or other laboratory that might be working on bioluminescence or chemiluminescence? This is a fairly common tool used in laboratory research.

A luminometer consists of a sensitive camera inside of a dark box that can measure light. You can find more information by searching for luminometer , chemiluminescent immunoassay and luciferase assay.

Good luck. Let us know if you have any other questions.


Donna Hardy

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it.

Also i have another question. Would it be possible to measure it with a photometer also, just in case i cannot gain access to a luminometer? just a regular photometer for $16-$30?

Hi,

It may be possible to use a photometer. The primary question about a regular photometer is sensitivity and the wavelengths that can be detected. Here is a description of a luminometer that shows a sensitivity of 30 attamoles of ATP:

http://www.tashkhis.net/catalogex/bro_FB14.pdf

Photometers measure light in lumens or lux. Here is an article that includes information on measuring bioluminescence.

http://www.biotechniques.com/multimedia ... 10068a.pdf

What species of dinoflagellates will you be using and what wavelength of light does this species emit? Does the photometer you are looking at measure at this wavelength? What quantity of lumens or lux would typically be emitted by the organism you will be using?

I recommend contacting the photometer company and asking if they have an application for measuring bioluminescence. If the company has a toll-free number try calling to inquire. Or, let me know which photometer you are thinking about getting.


Donna Hardy

I need a photometer/luminometer that measures light, nanometers specifically. I don't need one that measures ATP molecules, but thanks for the info .

I'm using Pyrocystis fusiformis and the highest wavelength they can emit is 470 nm. I'm thinking of ordering a U-NIT 380, or a 381 or 382, those seem to be the least costly. I'm going to try and contact other companies soon, I have to find time to do that soon.

Thanks for the links, they had very good information.