Multifluorescence Gel Documentation System

What is the Multifluorescence Gel Documentation System?

A documentation imager with several LED excitation wavelengths and an emission filter wheel that captures multiplexed fluorescence in one gel or blot. It directly supports two to four colour multiplex assays and detailed quantitative comparisons.

Overview

The multifluorescence system adds epi-illumination LEDs at blue, green, red and near-infrared wavelengths plus a motorized filter wheel, so the same membrane or gel can be imaged in several channels without stripping and reprobing. Because each channel is recorded separately and combined in software, multiplexed targets can be quantified relative to each other, and spectrally distinct dyes reduce cross-talk. Cameras are cooled CCD or sCMOS with 12 to 16-bit output, and long exposures support faint signals. Some instruments add UV transillumination for intercalating stains and white light for colorimetric detection, making them general-purpose imagers. Software provides channel capture sequences, flat-field correction, channel overlay, molecular weight calibration and normalised quantitation, which suits multiplex western blots, fluorescent gels and two-dimensional gels.

How does it work?

Gel documentation converts a stained or labelled gel into a digital image. A light source excites the sample, either from below through a transilluminator or from above with reflected light, and an emission filter blocks the excitation wavelengths so that only fluorescent signal reaches the camera. UV at 302 nm excites stains such as ethidium bromide, blue LEDs at about 470 nm excite SYBR-type dyes, and chemiluminescence needs no excitation because the blot emits light directly. A fixed-focus or motorized lens projects the image onto a cooled CCD or sCMOS sensor, where long exposures accumulate signal while cooling limits dark current. Software controls exposure, binning and filter selection, then displays 16-bit images and can measure band intensity, calculate molecular weights against a ladder and quantify fluorescence for densitometry.

What are the key features?

• LED epi-illumination at blue, green, red and near-infrared.
• Motorized emission filter wheel for channel selection.
• Two- to four-colour multiplex capture without reprobing.
• Cooled CCD or sCMOS camera with 12 to 16-bit output.
• Optional UV transillumination and white light.
• Software for channel overlay, calibration and normalised quantitation.

What are the technical specifications?

A typical multifluorescence gel documentation system configuration offers excitation wavelengths of 470, 520, 620, 680, 785 nm options, emission filter wheel of 4-8 positions, motorized, fluorescence channels of 2-4 simultaneous in software, camera type of Cooled CCD or sCMOS, bit depth of 12-16 bit and camera cooling of -20 to -60 °C. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Multifluorescence Gel Documentation System is used in multiplex western blot imaging, two-colour fluorescent gel analysis, near-infrared protein quantitation and two-dimensional gel documentation. Across the wider Gel Documentation class, laboratories also deploy it for agarose gel imaging after electrophoresis, western blot chemiluminescence imaging and fluorescence multiplex gel documentation.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include IEC 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-081, IEC 62471, IEC 61326-1 and ISO 13485 manufacturing. Certification candidates for this model are CE, ISO 9001 manufacturing and IEC 61010-1 test report; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Position the system away from strong ambient light and vibration, and keep the enclosure closed during exposure. Inspect and clean the UV transilluminator filter periodically, because scratches and stains scatter light and reduce contrast. Protect the camera lens and emission filter from dust and fingerprints, storing filters in their cases. Check UV intensity with a radiometer at defined intervals, replace lamps at the rated hours and verify the interlock each time the unit is serviced. Apply a consistent exposure and aperture setting across a project so intensities are comparable, and record imaging parameters with each saved file. Ensure that users follow local rules on UV exposure, gloves and stain waste disposal.

How do I select the right Multifluorescence Gel Documentation System?

Select this variant when several fluorescent labels must be measured on the same sample, especially for near-infrared blots where background is low. Match the excitation and emission options to your dye set, confirm the number of filter positions and check camera cooling for faint signals. Ask for flat-field correction and normalisation tools, since multiplex quantitation depends on them.

How does it compare with other Gel Documentation variants?

Choose by the detection chemistry: UV transillumination for ethidium bromide and similar stains, blue-light LED for safer alternatives, and multifluorescence for multiplexed labels. Chemiluminescence work needs a darkroom system with a deeply cooled camera but no light source. Sensitivity depends mainly on camera quantum efficiency, cooling and lens aperture, so compare those before resolution figures. Check the excitation wavelengths and emission filters provided, whether the transilluminator is 302, 365 or dual wavelength, and how much of the gel area the lens covers. Confirm software features for band detection, ladder-based sizing, densitometry and export, and verify UV shielding and interlocks for operator safety.