Azure Imagers vs. iBright™ systems
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Hello, Western blot enthusiast
Why Customers Love Azure Imagers (and You Will Too)
Best Image Quality
Multiplexing Capabilities
Best-in-class multiplex fluorescent detection for near infrared (NIR) and visible research
Small Size
Laser-based Technology
Clear images every time. Four solid state lasers act as excitation sources to help detect subtle changes and increase image quality.
Excellent Customer Support
Higher Sensitivity
Higher sensitivity for lower limits of detection, including down to femtograms of the protein of interest
Ease-of-use Meets Performance
If you’re on the hunt for a new Western blot imager and are thinking about an Invitrogen™ iBright™ system from Thermo Fisher Scientific, think again. At a similar price point, Azure Imagers are just as easy to use but you’ll get more sensitive detection, a wider dynamic range, and a more uniform field-of-view. And with fewer moving parts than iBright systems, Azure Imagers are easier to maintain.
In other words, if you care about generating reliable and reproducible (not to mention quantitative) gel and blot images, an Azure Imager is the obvious choice.
Direct, mirror-free detection delivers better sensitivity
One way the design of Azure Imagers delivers better performance than iBright imagers is through our direct-mirror-free detection. We place our CCD sensor close to the sample to maximize light collection efficiency and, thus, sensitivity.
In contrast, the iBright sensor is placed much farther away from the sample, reducing sensitivity. In addition, iBright does not directly detect light from the sample, but rather the light is reflected onto the sensor using a mirror, which further reduces sensitivity.
Decrease in light intensity (inverse-square law)
NIR lasers increase sensitivity and reduce background
The use of laser light sources for NIR illumination in Azure Imaging Systems further increases sensitivity. because lasers deliver an inherently narrower excitation band than LEDs—lasers emit a coherent, collimated beam of light—they avoid the overlap in excitation and emission signals that can occur with LED light sources. This results in ultra-low background signal, enabling faster, more sensitive NIR fluorescence detection.
The lasers inside of Azure Imagers do not need excitation filters, because lasers are monochromatic light sources that do not need correction. NIR lasers used keep signal high and background low. The robust excitation energy delivered by lasers maximizes emission strength for optimal detection sensitivity.
Innovative Design Translates to Better Performance
It should be no surprise that instrument design can greatly impact instrument performance. At Azure Biosystems, we focus on using technological innovation to deliver instruments that really impact a scientist’s work, from design choices that simplify workflows and improve performance without significantly impacting price.
| Azure 280 | iBright CL-1000 | Azure 600 | iBright FL-1000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of standard light sources | 4 | 2 | 9 | 3 |
| Exposure | Auto Exposure | Smart Exposure | Auto Exposure | Smart Exposure |
| Lasers | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sample Field of View | 20.5 x 16.5 cm Direct, 15 & 20 cm, 2x zoom | 20.5 x 16.5 cm Direct, 15 & 20 cm, 2x zoom | 22.5 x 18 cm Mirror, 50 cm?, 2x zoom | 20.5 x 16.5 cm Direct, 15 & 20 cm, 2x zoom |
| Dimensions | 42 x 56 x 33 cm | 68 x 38 x 60 cm | 42 x 56 x 33 cm | 68 x 38 x 60 cm |
Bench-friendly, Space-saving Footprint
Footprint of the 600® Imager (38 cm x 55 cm x 36 cm; W x H x D) vs. the iBright® FL-1000 (dotted line; 38 cm x 60 cm x 68 cm; W x H x D)
Invitrogen™ and iBright™ are registered trademarks of Life Technologies Corporation, now a part of Thermo Fisher Scientific. No endorsement is implied by the use of these marks. All rights reserved.
More Reasons to Love Azure Imagers
All Azure Imaging Systems offer:
- Focus-free imaging, no-positioning necessary
- One-touch workflows—select your application and the instrument chooses the appropriate light source and filters
- AzureSpot Analysis Software for powerful and streamlined quantitative analysis
Select instruments offer:
- Chemiluminescent detection that’s just as sensitive as film, but easier and more quantitative
- Two NIR lasers (660 nm and 785 nm) that keep signal high and background low
- Efficient multiplex detection with three visible fluorescence channels and/or two NIR fluorescence channels
- An optional Q-module that adds the capability to perform total protein normalization using AzureRed Total Protein Stain to 300 and 500 Imagers
Five-star Review of the Azure 600
“We’ve been very pleased with the Azure 600 Gel Imaging System. The quality and limit of detection for both the chemiluminescence and near-IR images is outstanding. Image acquisition is straightforward and user-friendly. The after-sales support is top notch – as there have been additional software upgrades and peripheral devices that were rolled-out post purchase. We’ve been happy with the new features. Our main contact at Azure (Vic Gagne) has been amazing. What sets this system apart from some of the bigger vendors is the ease-of-use and the personalized customer support. If your lab or core facility is looking for an imaging system, I highly recommend the Azure 600 Gel Imaging System.”
