Thermo Fisher Introduces Compact Imaging System for Protein and Nucleic Acid Gels

Thermo Fisher Scientific has expanded its molecular biology portfolio with the launch of the Invitrogen™ iGlow™ Gel Documentation System, a compact imaging platform designed to streamline routine analysis of protein and nucleic acid gels.

The one-touch system combines DNA, RNA and protein gel imaging capabilities in a single instrument, giving researchers a way to evaluate sample quality and results before moving forward with downstream experiments. By bringing multiple imaging functions together, the platform is intended to simplify laboratory workflows and reduce reliance on larger, shared imaging equipment.

The iGlow system incorporates UV, blue and white LED illumination to accommodate different gel imaging requirements. Its blue LED setting also provides a non-UV option for visualizing and excising DNA fragments intended for subsequent applications, including cloning.

Designed for molecular and protein biology laboratories, the instrument supports both precast Invitrogen E-Gels™ and traditionally prepared, pour-your-own gels. Potential applications include PCR, gene expression analysis, cloning, protein expression and purification, as well as workflows involving Western blot analysis.

Automated features are intended to minimize the time and effort involved in image acquisition. These include one-touch capture, automatic tray recognition and auto-exposure. Researchers can also review and edit images directly through the system’s integrated touchscreen. For additional analysis and data handling, images can be transferred through USB or Wi-Fi connections and processed using the included iBright™ Analysis Software.

Trent Colville, senior director and general manager of Protein Detection & Quantification at Thermo Fisher Scientific, says gel imaging provides researchers with an important checkpoint for determining whether DNA or protein samples meet the requirements for subsequent work. He notes that the iGlow platform is designed to help scientists make decisions about advancing samples into applications such as sequencing, cloning and further protein characterization.

The instrument’s compact design is another consideration for laboratories with limited bench space. By providing a dedicated solution for routine protein and nucleic acid gel imaging, iGlow may also allow shared, multi-application imaging systems to remain available for more specialized research needs.

The platform is intended for laboratories seeking a straightforward imaging solution across routine molecular biology and protein analysis workflows, particularly those processing samples that require frequent quality assessment before downstream experimentation.

For more information, visit www.thermofisher.com/iGlow