Spectral Instruments Imaging, the performance leader in preclinical optical imaging solutions, is excited to announce the launch of Aura 4.5, the latest version of its in vivo imaging software. This feature release introduces the highly anticipated Kinetics mode, a revolutionary, new way for researchers to capture and analyze dynamic bioluminescent signals automatically, in real-time.

Quantifying Bioluminescence Data at Peak Signal: A Necessity for Optimal Sensitivity, Reproducibility, and Biological Accuracy

In vivo bioluminescent signal data in a given subject will rise, plateau, and fall as a function of time (after luciferase-substrate injection). The variability of bioluminescent signal data over time is collectively known as the model’s kinetic curve. To ensure optimal sensitivity, biological accuracy and reproducibility – it is important that reported bioluminescent data be captured at peak (plateau-phase). Notably, the timing and duration of the rise/plateau/fall phases will vary between models and can even change over time in the same subject. Consequentially, it is critical to know the model’s kinetic curve, and to only report peak bioluminescent signal data.

“The great scientific value of Aura 4.5’s Kinetics mode is that it enables scientists to acquire bioluminescent kinetic curve data sets automatically and accurately, throughout the time course of their bioluminescent studies, and from such data sets, to easily identify and report only peak bioluminescent signal data,” commented Spectral’s Lead Application’s Scientist, Dr. Andrew Van Praagh.

“Kinetics is one of those rare features that both makes your life easier and improves the quality of your data – it’s a real game-changer!” Bo Nelson, Chief Technology Officer at Spectral Instruments Imaging, emphasizes. “Our continuous improvement of Aura Software is driven by the mission to ensure you can capture and analyze data quickly, easily and accurately. It’s important to us that all users be able to take full advantage of the unrivaled sensitivity of the Lago X, Ami HTX and Kino in vivo imaging systems – without being intimidated or feeling like they need to be experts.”

Introducing Aura Kinetics Mode: Easy, Real-Time Bioluminescent Kinetic Curve Analysis

Kinetics mode seamlessly integrates into Spectral Instruments Imaging’s well established Aura software platform, automatically acquiring and analyzing in real-time the bioluminescent signal data flux (Total photons/second) of up to 10 mice or three rats, concurrently. Kinetics presents both individual and group mean bioluminescent signal data in live, auto-generated graphs and summary data tables. This enables investigators to identify peak bioluminescent data values in real-time, as the bioluminescent signal data is being collected and analyzed. Through the use of proprietary algorithms and precise automations, Aura 4.5 Kinetics mode increases signal sensitivity, eliminates manual steps, and reduces human error.

Kinetics’ automatic, bioluminescent data output includes a region of interest (ROI) analysis of all images taken, and a real-time, live graph of ROI values (Total photons/sec) vs. Time (minutes post-substrate injection).

About Spectral Instruments Imaging – A Bruker Company

Spectral Instruments Imaging is the leading performance manufacturer of preclinical in vivo optical imaging systems. Spectral Instruments Imaging is at the forefront of technology for co-registered bioluminescence (BLI), fluorescence (FLI), and X-ray preclinical optical imaging. The systems provide advanced optics, patented excitation, -90°C air-cooled high-sensitivity cameras, absolute calibration for quantifiable imaging, excellent flexibility, and ease of use. In 2024, Spectral Instruments Imaging became a part of Bruker Corporation, enabling customers around the world to benefit from various preclinical imaging modalities to understand biological disease processes even more comprehensively in vivo.