SAPPHIRE FL BIOMOLECULAR IMAGER

The Sapphire FL is the second generation Sapphire and ultimate biomolecular imager for FLEXIBILITY. With customizable and user-changeable laser and filter modules, it easily adapts to a lab’s changing needs and advancing research. The Sapphire FL offers customizable and user-changeable optical modules, 5–1000 μm resolution scans, a Z-plane range from -1.0 to +6 mm, 5 anesthesia ports for imaging living animals, chemiluminescence detection through a Chemiluminescence Module, and much more.

Unlimited Laser and Filter Wavelength combinations

The Sapphire FL features a unique, patent-pending design of interchangeable and customizable laser and filter modules, enabling a virtually infinite number of spectral combinations. A broad range of excitation and emission wavelengths, as well as phosphor imaging, are supported.

This versatility permits research-driven, rather than instrument-dictated, experimental design. With the Sapphire FL, the user-exchangeable optical modules (consisting of one laser and one emission filter) ensure there is no need to compromise.

Application Flexibility

The flexibility of the Sapphire FL guarantees researchers the freedom to confidently choose the best dyes and chemistry for any experiment. Custom optical modules can excite any dye at its peak, resulting in the highest possible signal for any fluorophore.

In addition to fluorescence, the Sapphire FL also excels at imaging phosphor screens and chemiluminescence using the optional Chemiluminescence Module.

Sensitive Fluorescent Detection

High sensitivity allows femtogram detection of proteins labeled with common fluorescent dyes.

No other system on the market matches the Sapphire FL’s coverage across the fluorescent spectrum. Extend your reach into the UV spectrum with our 375 Standard Optical Module.

Total Flexibility with Phosphor Imaging

The Sapphire FL is a compact phosphor imager that incorporates exceptional visible fluorescent and near infra-red scanning along with true chemiluminescent and white light imaging, to make it a true lab workhorse.

It is one of only two scanning systems in its class that offers phosphor imaging, a high sensitivity assay that requires radioactivity. Sapphire FL is able to scan storage phosphor screens with exceptional dynamic range and image quality, thanks to the use of laser excitation and photon multiplier tube (PMT) detection

In Vivo Imaging

Several attributes of the Sapphire FL imager make imaging of live animals possible. When combined with appropriate tubing and nose cones, living mice can be fluorescently imaged under anesthesia using one of five built-in anesthesia ports.

The wide imaging platform can accommodate specimens with depth (up to 4 cm) allowing mice, plants, petri dishes, and other large biological samples to be imaged.

Distinguish between Subtle Differences in Expression with Extended Dynamic Range (EDR)

Extended dynamic range, when selected, allows imaging of both bright and weak bands without experiencing saturation. This is ideal for samples that feature strong and weak expressing proteins.

EDR extends dynamic range to 24 bits of data.

Adjustable Focus

Some samples are on the glass (Western blots), while some samples are raised above the glass surface (96-well plates). The Sapphire FL can image them.

Other samples have multiple focal points within them, such as tissue slides and organs. The Sapphire FL can image those too.

It offers a 7mm software-controlled adjustable focal plane, so you can scan your sample at multiple depths to ensure you see all your data has to offer.

5-micron Resolution

The Sapphire FL scans between 5 – 1000 µm resolution to ensure clear visualization of detailed samples. Image complex and minute samples, including tissue and microarray slides, with accuracy. Triage multiple slides at high resolution before microscopic analysis.

Chemiluminescent Imaging When You Need It

The Chemiluminescence Module adds high-resolution, quantitative chemiluminescence and visible imaging.

The chemi module allows you to express proteins with femtogram sensitivity and gives you the ability to capture marker images.

How the Sapphire FL Supports In Vitro to In Vivo Research

Specification

Parameter	Azure Sapphire FL
Detection modes	Fluorescence, phosphor imaging, densitometry, and chemiluminescence*
Detectors	Confocal scanning with lasers and PMT or APD detectors
Pixel size	5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 500, 1000 μm
Supported wavelength range	375 – 900 nm
Excitation range	375 – 850 nm
Emission range	380 – 900 nm
Maximum field of view (FOV):	25 cm x 25 cm
Z-plane focal range	7 mm; minimum delta 0.01mm, from -1 mm below the glass to 6 mm above the glass
Standard optical modules	Solid-state laser diodes emitting at 375, 488, 532, 638, 658, 685, and 784 nm. Phosphor Standard Optical Module available.
Custom Optical Modules	Custom lasers and filters are available upon request to provide exceptional research flexibility.
Wide dynamic range	24-bit
Clearance from platen to lid	4 cm
Animal imaging	Yes, with 5 built-in anesthesia ports compatible with standard small animal anesthesia tubing
Unit dimensions (W x H x D)	63.0 cm x 39.9 cm x 59.3 cm / 24.8” x 15.7” x 23.3″
Weight	43.5 kg / 95.9 lbs
Power requirements	100 – 240 VAC ± 10%, 50/60 Hz
Connection to computer	Fast LAN (Ethernet) cable
Certifications	CE, cTUVus, CB scheme