BioFix Lumi 10 – Portable luminometer for environmental and biological analysis
The BioFix Lumi 10 from Macherey-Nagel is a compact instrument for measuring bioluminescence or chemiluminescence reactions with relatively constant light emission. It is designed to meet the needs of laboratories and field teams, enabling a wide range of applications including environmental analysis, ecotoxicology, hygiene monitoring, clinical diagnostics and research in molecular biology and biochemistry. Thanks to its extremely sensitive Ultra Fast Single Photon Counter detector, it detects weak light signals with high accuracy, covering a wide wavelength spectrum.
This device stands out for its versatility. It can perform toxicity tests with luminescent bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), ATP measurements to assess biomass, DNA assays using probes, and luminescence immunoassays. Measuring the light emitted provides quantitative data expressed as a percentage of inhibition/stimulation or in relative light units (RLU), depending on the protocol used. Various test modes are integrated, such as BioTox-S protocols for rapid measurements, BioTox-B for more accurate analyses, and RLU for hygiene and molecular biology applications.
Mobility is a major advantage of the BioFix Lumi 10. It can be powered from the mains or from its internal rechargeable battery, offering up to 8 hours of autonomy for field work. This capability allows measurements to be taken in situ, for example during environmental surveys, industrial inspections or analyses in remote areas. Data is automatically stored in the internal memory, which can hold up to 2,000 results, with the option of transferring it to a computer via the RS232 serial interface.
Ease of use is at the heart of its design. Its high-resolution backlit graphic display clearly shows menus and results. Navigation is via an intuitive membrane keyboard. Users can configure up to six custom protocols, set alert thresholds for immediate classification of results and adjust settings to suit the specific requirements of each application. Threshold values allow a sample to be instantly categorised as compliant or non-compliant, facilitating interpretation in the field.
The BioFix Lumi 10 is also designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Its housing is splash-proof in accordance with IP54 and can be used in a temperature range of +15 to +30 °C. Green, yellow and red indicator lights signal the status of measurements, warnings or threshold exceedances. In the event of unsuitable ambient temperature or handling errors, a visual signal immediately alerts the user.
This instrument saves considerable time in analyses thanks to its direct operation and reduced handling steps. Whether for assessing the quality of a water sample, detecting contaminants, measuring enzyme activity or monitoring hygiene in an industrial facility, it is a reliable and effective tool. Its portable design, accuracy and data management functions make it the preferred choice for mobile laboratories and quality control departments.
The BioFix Lumi 10 combines compactness, performance and adaptability, meeting the requirements of professionals who need fast and reliable analysis. Thanks to its ergonomic design and flexibility, it is an indispensable tool for any organisation seeking to perform quantitative light measurements with rigour and efficiency.