Gel Imaging System: Principles, Usage, Fault Troubleshooting, and Maintenance Guide

I. Introduction

The gel imaging system is an advanced device that integrates gel observation, photography, and analysis, widely used in molecular biology, bioengineering, and biomedical fields. This system utilizes digital cameras or high-resolution CCDs to capture images of gels after electrophoresis, and employs computer analysis software for qualitative and quantitative sample analysis. With technological advancements, modern gel imaging systems now cover various imaging modes such as UV excitation, chemiluminescence, and multicolor fluorescence, greatly expanding their application scope.

II. Principles

The core principle of the gel imaging system is based on the difference in light absorption by samples. Light emitted from the source illuminates the sample, and due to differences in composition and concentration, different samples absorb varying amounts of light. By capturing these differences in the formed images and analyzing them using software, the optical density information of the sample can be obtained, further inferring the sample’s concentration or mass. Qualitative analysis relies on the difference in migration rates of samples on electrophoresis gels or other carriers, determining the components and properties of unknown samples by comparing their positions with standard samples in the chromatogram.

III. Usage

1. Startup and Precooling: First, turn on the CCD power for precooling. Optimal performance is achieved after approximately 15 minutes. Subsequently, turn on the computer and dark box power, and run the analysis software (e.g., Image Lab).
2. Sample Preparation and Placement: Place the gel sample in the center of the UV transilluminator, ensuring that the sample receives uniform illumination when the light is automatically turned on.
3. Parameter Setting and Imaging: Set parameters such as exposure time and gain in the software, and click to run the experimental protocol to start automatic photography. After imaging, select the best image from multiple pictures for subsequent processing.
4. Image Analysis and Saving: Use the image processing menu in the software to adjust brightness, optimize, and reduce background noise to obtain a clear gel image. Finally, save or print the processed image.

IV. Common Faults and Repair Methods

1. Display Screen Faults: For issues like black screens or abnormal displays, first check if the power connection is normal. If the power is normal, it may be a screen fault requiring replacement.
2. Light Source Faults: If the light source does not illuminate or is insufficiently bright, check if the lamp tube or power supply is damaged and replace if necessary.
3. Camera Faults: For issues like inability to capture images or unclear images, it may be due to contaminated or aged lenses. Clean the lens with a clean tissue; if ineffective, replace the camera.
4. Circuit Faults: For issues like failure to connect to the computer or image transmission problems, check if the interface is loose or if the wiring is aged. Ensure the interface is tightly connected; if the problem persists, replace the connection wiring.
5. Incorrect Parameter Settings: Check if the parameter settings are correct, as improper image brightness and contrast settings can affect imaging effects. Adjust as needed.
6. Blurry or Unclear Images: Adjust the focusing ring to obtain a clear image; if the lens is contaminated, clean it.
7. Color Distortion: Check if the white balance setting is correct and adjust if necessary to correct image colors.

V. Maintenance and Upkeep

1. Regular Lamp Tube Replacement: As lamp tubes age or damage with use, regular replacement is recommended to ensure imaging effects.
2. Regular Cleaning: Clean the device with a cleaning cloth and solution to avoid lens blurring and other faults. Ensure cleaning agents do not enter the device.
3. Proper Storage: When the device is not in use for an extended period, store it in an environment avoiding direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity.
4. Regular Calibration: If the imaging effect is unsatisfactory, device calibration may be required to ensure accuracy.

VI. Brands and Models of Gel Imaging Systems Repaired by Longi Electromechanical

1. Bio-Rad
   • ChemiDoc Series: ChemiDoc MP, ChemiDoc XRS+
   • GelDoc Series: GelDoc Go, GelDoc EZ
2. GE Healthcare (now Cytiva)
   • Amersham Imager Series: Amersham Imager 600, Amersham Imager 680
   • Typhoon Series: Typhoon FLA 9500, Typhoon FLA 7000
3. Syngene
   • G Series: GChemi XRQ, GChemi XX6
   • GeneSys Series: GeneSys
4. Thermo Fisher Scientific
   • iBright Imaging Systems Series: iBright FL1000, iBright CL1500
   • myECL Imager: Universal Imaging System
5. Azure Biosystems
   • Azure C Series: Azure C200, Azure C300, Azure C600
   • Azure Sapphire: Multifunctional Bio-Imaging System
6. LI-COR Biosciences
   • Odyssey Series: Odyssey CLx, Odyssey Fc
   • Pearl Trilogy: Quantitative Imaging System
7. Analytik Jena
   • UVP Series: UVP BioDoc-It2, UVP GelDoc-It2
   • ChemStudio Series: ChemStudio, ChemStudio Touch
8. Vilber Lourmat
   • Fusion FX Series: Fusion FX7, Fusion FX6
   • Quantum Series: Quantum ST4, Quantum ST5
9. Eppendorf
   • Eppendorf BioSpectrometer: Absorbance and Fluorescence Detection System
   • Eppendorf Gel Imager: Gel Imaging System
10. UVP (part of Analytik Jena)
    • BioSpectrum Imaging System: Universal Imaging System
    • ChemiDoc-It2: Chemiluminescence Imaging System
11. ProteinSimple (part of Bio-Techne)
    • FluorChem Series: FluorChem E, FluorChem R
    • AlphaImager Series: AlphaImager HP, AlphaImager Mini
12. Gel Company
    • OmniDOC Series: OmniDOC, OmniDOC MP
13. Uvitec
    • UviLux Series: UviLux
    • Alliance Q9 Advanced: High-Sensitivity Imaging System
14. Cleaver Scientific
    • MicroDOC Series: MicroDOC Basic, MicroDOC Pro
    • MultiDOC Series: MultiDOC-It2
15. Bio-Techne
    • FluorChem Series: FluorChem M, FluorChem Q

Longi Electromechanical Company has long been engaged in the repair of gel imaging systems, with nearly 30 years of experience. We can quickly repair various instruments, and we also recycle and sell various gel imaging systems. Welcome to consult.