The Gel-Bright laser diode gel illuminator is more sensitive than blue LED illuminators for red dyes, without UV hazards.
Biotium has released the next-generation Gel-Bright laser diode gel illuminator. In partnership with Biotium, light and optics instrumentation company OMEC Medical developed the gel illuminator to offer a better alternative to UV and LED-based gel imaging.
The Gel-Bright features a novel laser diode-based illumination technology that offers exceptional performance for a wide selection of fluorescent dyes and does not require laser safety glasses. The gel illuminator delivers significantly improved sensitivity for red dyes over blue LED illuminators, as well as improved performance for imaging green dyes over UV transilluminators.
In partnership with Biotium scientists, OMEC Medical developed the new Gel-Bright to offer sensitive gel imaging for both green and red dyes without relying on hazardous UV light. The incorporation of laser diodes enables stronger and more focused illumination, allowing brighter and more efficient excitation for a wide range of fluorescent dyes. As a result, the Gel-Bright offers better sensitivity over UV-based transilluminators when imaging green dyes such as GelGreen or SYBR Green/SYBR Safe, as well as significantly better performance over blue LED gel illuminators for red dyes such as GelRed, ethidium bromide (EtBr), and One-Step Lumitein Protein Gel Stain.
The Gel-Bright Laser Diode Gel Illuminator contains 12 laser diodes that are positioned at an optimal angle for consistent and uniform illumination of the gel. Safety glasses are not required because the amount of laser light that could enter the eye’s pupil is below the CDRH limits. In addition, an adjustable multi-hinged amber filter provides optimal signal-to-noise and can be moved into a lower position for gel imaging, or a higher position for easy access when excising bands. With convenience in mind, the gel illuminator also has a compact and portable design for easy transport and minimising occupied space on benchtops.
Each purchase of a Gel-Bright laser diode gel illuminator will include a free sample of GelRed Agarose LE and GelGreen Agarose LE. These are safer and more convenient pre-coated agarose formats that remove the extra step of adding dye to your agarose. A Gel-Bright imaging hood, which is a fitted enclosure for convenient imaging with your cell phone or tablet, will be offered as an optional accessory at a later date.
Since its founding in 2001, Biotium has developed over 30 patented technologies that have been licensed out to leading life science technology companies worldwide. For more information, please visit www.biotium.com.