A guide to Open-JIP, a low-cost open-source chlorophyll fluorometer.

Area of Science:

• Plant Physiology
• Photosynthesis Research
• Biophysical Instrumentation

Background:

• Chlorophyll a fluorescence is crucial for assessing plant photosynthesis and stress responses.
• Existing commercial chlorophyll fluorometers are often expensive and lack customizability.
• There is a need for accessible, high-throughput tools for photosynthesis research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an open-source, low-cost chlorophyll fluorometer.
• To enable high-throughput photosynthesis assessment and novel research.
• To provide a customizable alternative to commercial instruments.

Main Methods:

• Development of an open-source chlorophyll fluorometer using an Arduino Mega microcontroller.
• Implementation of the Kautsky induction curve (OJIP) measurement.
• Design of two 3D-printable configurations for higher plants and microalgae.

Main Results:

• The open-source fluorometer demonstrates performance comparable to commercial instruments.
• Two distinct 3D-printable designs cater to different biological samples.
• Construction guidelines are provided, facilitating replication.

Conclusions:

• An accessible, customizable, and cost-effective open-source chlorophyll fluorometer has been successfully developed.
• This instrument empowers researchers with advanced photosynthesis analysis capabilities.
• The open-source nature facilitates widespread adoption and further innovation in plant science.