Accuris SmartBlue Transilluminators have been developed for viewing DNA gels stained with new, safe fluorescent dyes. These new dyes, such as SmartGlow, SYBR Green, and Gel Green, have an excitation wavelength of 465-470nm (visible blue light), and are safer to use than Ethidium Bromide.
Safer for samples, safer for you: Accuris SmartBlue Transilluminators are the perfect partner for the most common safe DNA stains. It emits blue light at a wavelength of 465nm, perfect for excitation of most green fluorophors, including our Accuris’ SmartGlow™, SYBR Green, SYBR Safe, SYBR Gold, GelStar, and GelGreen, to name a few. The SmartBlue can also work for excitation of EtBr (though fluorescence is not as bright as with UV), see our Technical Bulletin with sample images. Exposing DNA to blue wavelength does not cause molecular damage, and results in a much higher downstream cloning efficiency as compared to even short UV light exposures. In addition, the visible blue light is not damaging to the user’s skin and is less harmful to the eyes.*
Two position filter cover: Both the E4100 and E4000 transilluminators come with emission filter covers. These amber covers, which rest above the viewing surface and gel, filter out the blue light, allowing the fluorescent DNA bands to be seen clearly. The covers are designed to fit flat for general gel viewing or to be placed at an angle to provide easy access to the gel for band excision. For documentation, the filter cover is easily removed completely.
Optional amber viewing glasses: Our E4000-VG1 SmartBlue Plus Viewing Glasses offer efficient blocking of the blue light wavelength from the transilluminators, allowing clear visualization of the fluorescing DNA bands without the filter cover in place. These convenient glasses are recommended for users that are frequently excising DNA bands from gels. SmartBlue Plug glasses also bl0ck 100% of UV wavelength so they can also be used for viewing gels on a UV transilluminator.
UI technology, bright and clear images: The bright LED light plates and filter layer provides an extremely evenly lit viewing surface. Even in ambient light, bands of DNA can clearly be seen in stained gels. Images obtained using the SmartBlue Transilluminator are brighter and more balanced than those obtained using epi-illuminators which light from the sides.
Reliable, durable, and long-lasting: An array of super bright LEDs with a long, 30,000-hour service life provide the light source for the SmartBlue Transilluminators. Unlike those in a UV transilluminator, the filters in the SmartBlue systems will not solarize and degrade in performance over time. Gel bands can be excised directly on scratch-resistant, glass viewing surfaces. To save energy, the power switch includes an automatic 5-minute shutoff. SmartBlue Transilluminators are covered by a 2-year warranty.
* The SmartBlue products use high-intensity LED lights. Although the visible blue wavelength is significantly safer than UV light, it is recommended to not stare directly at the viewing surface without the amber cover in place.