Luminometer development in the last four decades: recollections of two entrepreneurs

Abstract

The cover of this issue of Luminescence features images of luminometers from the past four decades.

Chemiluminescence and bioluminescence history – early advertising materials

“…The history of these two branches of luminescence has been described in a number of texts and reviews . Also, several papers in this journal have provided a perspective on the early history of luminometer development and commercialization , and luminescence measuring equipment .…”

Bioluminescence assay for cell viability

“…6 2015 Luminometers -specialized instruments that were first introduced to the market in 1970s -are used for bioluminescence measurements. The first luminometers were based on the technology developed for detection of radioactive emission -liquid scintillation counters [6]. Eventually another approach was developed, a photon counter in combination with a high efficiency photo multiplier tube (PMT) is used in modern instruments for detection of luminescence signal.…”

A novel, ultrarapid parathyroid hormone assay to distinguish parathyroid from nonparathyroid tissue

“…Luminescence assays were developed in the late 1960s and quickly expanded into commercial application in the 1970s. [10][11][12][13] These assays have a wide range of uses, including reporter gene assays, ATP determination, and DNA probe assays, as well as bioluminescent immunoassay of PTH. In the latter instance, PTH is ''sandwiched'' between a capture antibody and a second antibody conjugated to alkaline phosphatase.…”