Fluorometric detection using visible light

• US 6,198,107 B1
• Filed: 03/06/1998
• Issued: 03/06/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/07/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Clare Chemical Research Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Clare Chemical Research Incorporated
• Inventors: Seville, Mark
• Primary Examiner(s): Hannaher, Constantine
• Application Number:
  US09/036,034
• Time in Patent Office: 1,096 Days
• Field of Search: 250/459.1, 250/458.1
• US Class Current: 250/458.1
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6428 Measuring fluorescence of fluorescent products of reactions or of fluorochrome labelled reactive substances, e.g. measuring quenching effects, using measuring "optrodes" in vivo A61B5/00; immunoassay G01N33/53
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6447 by visual observation
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/645 Specially adapted constructive features of fluorimeters

Abstract

Systems, devices and methods are provided for viewing a pattern of fluorophors capable of fluorescing when exposed to visible light, e.g., fluorescently stained DNA, protein or other biological material. The system includes a light source emitting light in the visible spectrum, such as a fluorescent lamp used in domestic lighting, a first optical filter capable of transmitting light from the source at wavelengths capable of exciting the fluorophors and of absorbing light of other wavelengths, and a second optical filter capable of blocking substantially all the light from the source not blocked by the first filter, so that the only light reaching the viewer is light produced by fluorescence of the fluorophors.

Claims

1. A visible light transillurninator system for viewing a pattern of fluorescence emitted by fluorophors capable of being excited by blue exciting light, and of producing light of an emitted type, wherein said emitted type is of a wavelength different from said blue exciting light, said system comprising:

a) a blue non-laser light source, with maximal output in the blue wavelength region housed within said transilluminator;

b) a blue filter placed between said light source and said fluorophors and serving as a support for a material containing said fluorophors, which is capable of transmitting said exciting light from said light source and of preventing transmission of light from said light source in the wavelength range of said emitted type by said fluorophors; and

c) an amber filter placed between said fluorophors and a light detector which is capable of transmitting light of said emitted type from said fluorophors and of preventing transmission of said exciting light from said light source;

said system being constructed and arranged such that patterns of fluorescence emitted by said fluorophors are viewable.

2. The transilluminator system of claim 1 wherein said amber filter is fitted over the top of said transilluminator.

3. The transilluminator system of claim 1 wherein said amber filter is attached to a light detector.

4. The transilluminator system of claim 1 wherein said amber filter is incorporated into an eyeglass.

5. A hand-held visible light system for viewing a pattern of fluorescence emitted by fluoropbors capable of being excited by blue exciting light, and of producing light of an emitted type wherein said emitted type is of a wavelength different from said blue exciting light, said system comprising:

a) a hand-held non-laser blue light source, with maximum output in the blue wavelength region comprising a blue light and a first blue filter, said first filter being capable of transmitting said exciting light from said light source and of preventing transmission of light from said light source in the wavelength range of light of said emitted type by said fluorophors; and

b) an amber filter between said fluorophors and a human eye and/or other light detector which is capable of transmitting light of said emitted type from said fluorophors and of preventing transmission of said exciting light from said light source;

said system being constructed and arranged such that patterns of fluorescence emitted by said fluorophors are viewable.

6. The hand-held visible light system of claim 5 wherein said amber filter is attached to said light detector.

7. The hand-held visible light system of claim 5 wherein said amber filter is incorporated into an eyeglass.

8. A visible light system for viewing patterns of fluorescence emitted by fluorophors capable of emitting light of an emitted light type when excited by light of an excitation type different from said emitted type, wherein at least a detectable portion of said emitted type is visible light;

said system comprising;

a) a light source of 40 W or less having the intensity of a household light or less, capable of producing visible light of said excitation type for said fluorophors;

b) a first optical filter placed between said light source and said fluorophors which is capable of transmitting light from said light source of said excitation type and of preventing transmission of light from said light source of said emitted type; and

c) a second optical filter placed between said fluorophors and a light detector to form a viewable image of the pattern of fluorophors wherein said second filter is capable of transmitting light of said emitted type and of preventing transmission of light of said excitation type.

9. A method of viewing a pattern of fluorescence emitted by fluorophors capable of being excited by blue exciting light and of producing light of an emitted type, wherein said emitted type is of a wavelength different from said blue exciting light, said method comprising:

a) passing light from a blue non-laser light source, with maximal output in the blue wavelength region and housed within a transilluminator, through a first blue filter, serving as a support for a material containing said fluorophors, capable of transmitting said exciting light from said light source and capable of preventing transmission of light from said light source in the wavelength range of light of said emitted type, on to said material containing said fluorophors, whereby said fluorophors emit light of said emitted type;

b) passing said light emitted by said fluorophors through a second amber filter which is capable of transmitting light of said emitted type and of preventing transmission of said exciting light from said light source, whereby an image of said pattern of fluorescence is formed; and

c) viewing said image with a human eye and/or other light detector.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said fluorophors are comprised in fluorescently stained and/or labeled DNA.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein said fluorophors comprise at least one fluorescently stained and/or labeled protein.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein said fluorophors are comprised in a gel.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein said fluorophors are comprised in a living organism.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein said fluorophors are viewed in an array of test tubes.