Act2-based laboratory & FerryBox systems: Highly automated system for probing oxygenic photosynthesis by phytoplankton
Chelsea Technologies Group’s new Act2-Based Laboratory and FerryBox Systems build on the highly successful FastAct system which has been widely used, in combination with the FastOcean Fast Repetition Rate fluorometer (FRRf), to run FLCs and other laboratory-based fluorescence measurements. The Act2 system marks a big step forward in terms of both performance and functionality. For example, the incremental steps available for incident photon irradiance (E) are much smaller and cover a much larger range (up to and above full sunlight).
As with the FastAct, the standard Act2 FLC sample chamber provides full spectrum actinic illumination from filtered white LEDs. However, there is also an option to swap in 450 nm LED units. This allows for a spectral match to be made between the FastOcean FRRf and actinic illumination, thereby allowing for direct comparison of FRRf and FLC-derived data. Importantly, this feature also eliminates one of the spectral correction steps required in the estimation of primary productivity.
- Applications
- Features
- Introduction
- How does it work?
- Act2 Systems
- Configurations
- Specification
- Downloads
- Testimonials
- Applications
- Features
- Introduction
- How does it work?
- Act2 Systems
- Configurations
- Specification
- Downloads
- Testimonials
Applications
- Continuous running of fluorescence light curves (FLCs) with automated sampling from one or more phytoplankton cultures
- FerryBox-based, continuous monitoring of primary productivity parameters at relatively high spatial and temporal resolutions
- Replacement of 14C-based photosynthetron systems for generating primary productivity data
- Oxygen light curves (OLCs) and estimation of PSII concentration (when combined with Hansatech Oxygraph system)
Features
- Fully programmable protocol design for fluorescence light curves (FLCs) including sample exchange between successive runs
- Options to duplicate the FLC protocol as oxygen light curves (OLCs) and estimate PSII reaction centre concentration through flash O2 measurements, when combined with a Hansatech Oxygraph system
- Fine control of photon irradiance (E) during FLCs and OLCs (down to 1 µmol photons m-2 s-1 at low E values)
- Up to full sunlight intensity during FLCs and OLCs (2500 µmol photons m-2 s-1)
- Saturating, single turnover flashes of 160 µs duration at 20,000 µmol photons m-2 s-1 for flash O2 measurements
- Fully automated changes to FLC protocol design within long-term experiments
- Optional solenoid system allows for programmable switching between sample sources
- High level of automation and operational stability, making it suitable for use in FerryBox systems
Introduction
The new Act2 builds on our highly successful FastAct system which has been widely used, in combination with our FastOcean Fast Repetition Rate fluorometer (FRRf), to run FLCs and other laboratory-based fluorescence measurements. The Act2 system marks a big step forward in terms of both performance and functionality.
For example, the incremental steps available for incident photon irradiance (E) are much smaller and cover a much larger range (up to and above full sunlight). As with the FastAct, the standard Act2 FLC sample chamber provides full spectrum actinic illumination from filtered white LEDs. However, there is also an option to swap in 450 nm LED units. This allows for a spectral match to be made between the FastOcean FRRf and actinic illumination, thereby allowing for direct comparison of FRRf and FLC-derived data. Importantly, this feature also eliminates one of the spectral correction steps required in the estimation of primary productivity.
The Act2 system provides an unparalleled level of automation, including real-time derivation of relative photosynthesis – photon irradiance (rPE) parameters (including alpha and Ek) from FLC data. These data can be used, by the controlling software, to adjust the FLC protocol for the next sample. This feature is likely to be of particular value in FerryBox applications, where it is likely that the system will have to run unattended for several weeks at a time.
An essential part of the automation process is the archiving of FRR data from each FLC to a time stamped file. A simple, but very powerful, function within Act2Run can be used to extract rPE parameters from a user-defined range of files (spanning hours, days or weeks). These data can then be pasted into Excel or other application, through the Windows clipboard. Other clipboard functions allow data from individual files and acquisitions to be extracted in different ways.
How does it work?
FRR data generated using four different LED combinations. The solid blue, green, orange and yellow lines through each FFR trace are iterative data fits, which are applied by the controlling software in real time.
The main design criterion for the development of Act2 was to produce a fully automated system for generating FLC / FRRf data that could be used in the estimation of GPP by phytoplankton. Analysis of primary FRRf data is based on the equations provided by Kolber et al. (1998 - Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1367:88-106), while secondary analysis of FRRf and FLC data is based on the absorption method described by Oxborough et al. (2012 - Limnol. Oceanogr.: Methods 10:142-154). All analysis is applied in real time, which allows for fully automated adjustments to be made by the controlling software.
Calibration of the Act2 FLC system includes an initial step to balance the output between LED units. This is achieved by making small adjustments to the drive current of each unit. The required actinic light intensity is then set using pulse width modulation (pwm). This allows for very precise control of light output in very small steps. The LEDs run 'cool' up to full sunlight and beyond, which results in very stable output.
Act2 Systems
An Act2 system can be built up from component parts. However, the following systems all provide significant savings. All systems are factory calibrated and include a comprehensive spares kit.
- System A provides all the requirements for running fully automated FLCs with white actinic illumination, including a full spares kit
- System B adds a second FLC sample chamber with 450 nm LEDs to System A
- System C adds two Oxygraph LED supports plus LEDs to System B. This allows for the running of OLCs and flash O2 estimation of PSII reaction centre concentration (Hansatech Oxygraph system required).
An add-on solenoid valve unit allows for automated periodic cleaning of the sample chamber and / or switching between sample sources.
Configurations
An Act2 system can be build up from individual components or purchased as a complete system. The complete systems are more cost-effective. Please note that a FastOcean FRRf is required to run FLCs with the Act2 systems (the Act2 system is not compatible with the Mk I or Mk II FastTracka FRRf)
- The Act2 System A includes the Act2 Controller, FLC sample chamber, 2 x white LED units, peristaltic pump unit and FastOcean stand.
- Act2 System B is System A plus a second FLC sample chamber and 2 x blue LED units.
- An Act2 Oxygraph LED support and extra LED(s) can be added to a System A or B at a later date, to provide a cost effective system for estimating PSII concentration and running oxygen light curves (OLCs). Please note that a Hansatech Oxygraph system is required for these measurements.
- Alternatively, Act2 System C comprises System B plus 2 x Oxygraph LED supports and the required extra white and blue LED units.
A solenoid valve unit (with 3 x three-way solenoid valves) can be added to the system through the Act2 Controller. This unit allows for switching between sample sources, sample dilution and/or system cleaning.
Specification
| Act2 Controller | |
| Dimensions (w x d x h) |
198 x 108 x 62 mm (main unit) |
| Mass |
1.5 kg (including power brick and cables) |
| PC connection |
USB (cable supplied) |
| Environmental rating |
IP68 (main unit only) |
| Power input |
28 V (power brick supplied) |
| Outputs |
1 x USB to PC, 1 x FastOcean, 4 x LED units, 2 x peristaltic pumps, 3 x solenoid valves |
| LED units (white or blue) | |
| Increments (FLCs) |
< 4 µmol photons m-2 s-1 |
| Maximum output (FLCs / OLCs) |
>2,500 µmol photons m-2 s-1 |
| Maximum output (Flash O2) |
>20,000 µmol photons m-2 s-1 |
| Environmental rating |
IP68 |
| FLC system with FastOcean | |
| Dimensions (w x d x h) |
250 x 180 x 535 mm (excluding Act2 controller and cables) |
| Mass |
8.2 kg (including Act2 Controller, power brick and cables) |
In view of our continual improvement, the designs and specifications of our products may vary from those described.
Downloads
Need more information?
Download the Act2 datasheet
Download Installation Files & Documentation:
+ Link to installation files and documentation
FastPro8 and FastOcean documentation
+ Link to installation files and documentation
FASTpro, FastAct and Mk II FastTracka documentation
+ Link to installation files and documentation
Fast Repitition Rate Fluorometry in the Press:
Sophie Richier, Anna I. Macey, Nicola J. Pratt, David J. Honey, C. Mark Moore, Thomas S. Bibby, Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre. Abundances of Iron-Binding Photosynthetic and Nitrogen-Fixing Proteins of Trichodesmium Both in Culture and In Situ from the North Atlantic. Plus One - 2012. Download article pdf.
Oxborough, K. Moore, C.M., Suggett, D.J., Lawson, T., Chan, H.G. and Geider, R.G. Direct estimation of functional PSII reaction centre concentration and PSII electron flux on a volume basis: a new approach to the analysis of Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry (FRRf) data. Liminology & Oceanography: Methods – 2012, 10:142-154. Link to article. Download pdf.
Testimonials
Dr C Mark Moore, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, UK - "Having worked using active chlorophyll fluorometers for the last 15 years, it has been great to see how CTG have remained committed to developing and improving their line of Fast Repetition Rate fluorometers. Having previously worked with the FastTracka I and II instruments, I recently had my first opportunity to use the new multi-wavelength FastOcean system and was very impressed by the increased versatility of this instrument, which should allow us to investigate the photophysiology of mixed communities of phytoplankton in a more robust manner, alongside providing exciting new insights.”
Dr Evelyn Lawrenz, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Republic - "The FastOcean & FastAct Laboratory System arrived here yesterday afternoon. I assembled it already and I have to say, I was really impressed by the care with which the kit was put together. Even the tubing, smallest connectors and Allen keys were included. That is a super service! It is up and running already and I will spend some time playing with it. Once again, thank you to the Chelsea Team!"
Associate Professor David Suggett, Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology, Sydney - “My group has recently purchased a FastOcean after a decade of work with previous single wavelength versions (FastTracka I and II, and other commercially available and custom built active fluorometers), but this instrument is the best yet: The FastOcean represents state-of-the-art “evolution” of both the underlying technology and concepts of Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry, developed by an expert in fluorometry (Dr Kevin Oxborough) alongside the academic community; the result is an incredibly versatile tool that meets my continually interchanging needs between routine field deployments examining marine primary productivity to highly specific studies of physiological processes in the lab. The great ethos that Chelsea places on continually engaging with their user community ensures that FRRf-based approaches are really pushing back the limits of how we understand marine primary productivity.”
Dr Jacco Kromkamp, NIOZ, The Netherlands - "We purchased a Chelsea FastOcean System over the competitors because it is a very robust machine, it has a good GUI and it can be used both in situ and in the laboratory. In addition it estimates the concentration of RCII, allowing calculations of the absolute rate of photosynthetic electron transport."
Dr David McKee, University of Strathclyde, UK - "Just wanted to report that we have received the FastOcean & FastAct Laboratory System and have started setting up. Thank you very much for the quick turnaround on this - greatly appreciated! We initially chose to purchase the FastOcean for several reason, these include the fact that the FastOcean builds on the extensive legacy of the FastTracka which provides a wealth of underpinning science to establish well-documented context. The combination of FastOcean and FastAct provides a fairly unique way to establish physiological state and gross primary production estimate. I am also particularly keen to work with the FastOcean as it is directly backed up with the expertise provided by Kevin Oxborough. I think it is extremely important that Chelsea have invested in someone who not only understands the science but continues to lead the science. Other competitors may be able to match some of these, but I do not think they can offer all of them."
