Cameras for Luminescence Plant Imaging Experiments

Challenge Background 

Luminescence-based genetic reporter systems allow for exceptional sensitivity and are widely used to study gene expression in plants, bacteria and for in vivo studies of small animals. Systems using luciferase allow for the accurate quantification of very small changes in transcription within complex biological systems. In contrast to fluorescence, the signals involved are very weak. However, the background is inherently very low as autofluorescence that serves to interfere and mask the signal information when using fluorescence does not occur. Additionally, perturbation of normal cell processes due to illumination are also avoided. Luminescence can thus help to reveal transcriptional regulation in greater detail than is possible using other methods. 

The iKon-M deep cooled CCD camera is widely used for luminescence imaging. In this example within a temperature-controlled light sealed chamber for plant imaging. Many other set-ups using high throughput plate format or microfluidic systems are also in use.

Bioluminescence studies provide many benefits but they do pose challenges from a detection perspective. These detection challenges are also quite different than for typical fluorescence microscopy-based imaging: 

• Sensitivity: Luminescence reactions generate a limited amount of photons, so it is vital that the detector used has maximum sensitivity to capture the emitted photons over time and thus generate a useful signal. 
• Ultra-low noise: Since the signal is weak, it is critical that the background noise is kept as low as possible. Long exposures of 10 minutes, or even longer mean that measurements are “dark current” limited. The detector must have the lowest possible dark current – in other words suppression of the self-generated thermal noise that can quickly build within the camera sensor. 
• Quantitative Accuracy: Changes in expression, promotor analysis or cell signalling pathways may exhibit important, yet subtle differences. The detector must be capable of differentiating these differences to help elucidate the experimental data. 
• Dynamic Range: A wide dynamic range is required to capture high, and low-level information within the same image. 

Technology Solution  

For luminescence experiments deep-cooled CCD cameras are the ideal solution. CCD cameras have lower dark current than the fast sCMOS cameras (by as much as 1000->fold). This can be made possible by  deep-cooling the CCD to all but eliminate dark current, essential for these long exposures running into many minutes. CCD cameras have high quantum efficiency sensor options that allow for the widest response to a range of luminescence reporter systems. Some models also have high linearity required for quantitative measurements and wide dynamic range. 

The iKon-M deep cooled CCD camera delivers the lowest background noise due to the combination of low read noise and the lowest possible dark current. This ultra-low background combines with high QE of >90% for the best possible sensitivity. The performance of the iKon-M CCD is especially apparent with longer exposures.

The iKon Series: Andor Camera Solution for Plant Luminescence Imaging

Andor’s iKon CCD camera series are the most sensitive CCD cameras available and are chosen for the most challenging luminescence experiments. Key to this industry best performance is the exclusive UltraVac^TM permanent vacuum technology and efficient, stable thermoelectric cooling to -100°C. iKon CCD cameras are able to drive dark current down to the lowest possible levels, which combines with up to 95% Quantum efficiency to deliver the highest sensitivity. A c-mount fitting makes the iKon-M CCD model flexible whether coupling to a microscope, or to a lens as part of a custom optical set-up.

Requirements and Benefits of iKon-M for Luminescence

Imaging Single Cell Bioluminescence?

When moving from typical luminescence experiments towards studies at the single cell level, even higher sensitivity may be required. For such studies we recommend the iXon EMCCD series: find out why in our Single Cell Bioluminescence Solution Note. 

References

1. Fei Wang, Yongshun Gao, Yawen Liu, Xin Zhang, Xingxing Gu, Dingbang Ma, Zhiwei Zhao, Zhenjiang Yuan, Hongwei Xue, Hongtao Liu. BES1 regulated BEE1 controls photoperiodic flowering downstream of blue light signaling pathway in Arabidopsis. 2019 New Phytologist. 
2. Yeon Jeong Kim, David E Somers. Luciferase-Based Screen for Post-translational Control Factors in the Regulation of the Pseudo-Response Regulator PRR7. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2019 VOLUME 10. https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpls.2019.00667. DOI=10.3389/fpls.2019.00667  
3. Kui Han, Long Mei, Ruoyu Zhong, Yuhong Pang, Eric Erquan Zhang and  Yanyi Huang (2020) A microfluidic approach for experimentally modelling the intercellular coupling system of a mammalian circadian clock at single-cell level. Lab Chip, 2020,20, 1204-1211 https://doi.org/10.1039/D0LC00140F 
4. Battle, MW and Jones, MA. Cryptochromes integrate green light signals into the circadian system. Plant Cell Environ. 2020; 43: 16– 27. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.13643