Sapphire FL+ Biomolecular Imager

IS4100

Large format scanner for precise quantitation of molecular assays

Unmatched Application Versatility and Performance

quantity accuracy

24-bit Dynamic Range

Extended dynamic range allows imaging of both bright and weak bands without experiencing saturation.
5 micron resolution icon

5 Micron Resolution

From Western blots and gels, to microscope slides and model organism imaging, adjustable 5-1000 µm resolution ensures unparalleled flexibility.
laser-based imaging

Custom Design Lasers and Filters

No limits – easily swap lasers and filters to achieve the perfect system to image your sample.
Adjustable focus Sapphire FL

Adjustable focus for sample thickness

Whether imaging Western blots, gels, 96-well plates, or tissue slides, the adjustable Z-plane ensures optimal focus for your sample.

Key Features

Flexibility with uncompromising performance

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, five anesthesia ports for imaging living animals, chemiluminescence detection through a Chemiluminescence Module, and much more.

46 X 25 cm Scanning Bed for Large Format Samples

From large-format phosphor screens to high-throughput imaging workflows, the Sapphire FL+ offers a scan area spacious enough to accommodate even oversized samples.
American Radiolabel Chemicals Carbon-14 standard exposed to Storage Phosphor Screen for three hours, then imaged with the Azure Sapphire Biomolecular Imager
American Radiolabel Chemicals Carbon-14 standard exposed to Storage Phosphor Screen for three hours, then imaged with the Sapphire
Sample: C autoradiographic standard; Imaging; Phosphor; LOD: 0.036 µCi/g; DR: 5.4 orders of magnitude; Linearity: R²=0.99
Plot showing linearity and linear dynamic range achieved when a carbon-14 standard was imaged using the Sapphire

High Performance Phosphor Imaging

American Radiolabel Chemicals Carbon-14 standard exposed to Storage Phosphor Screen for three hours, then imaged with the Azure Sapphire Biomolecular Imager
American Radiolabel Chemicals Carbon-14 standard exposed to Storage Phosphor Screen for three hours, then imaged with the Sapphire Biomolecular Imager
Sample: C autoradiographic standard; Imaging; Phosphor; LOD: 0.036 µCi/g; DR: 5.4 orders of magnitude; Linearity: R²=0.99
Plot showing linearity and linear dynamic range achieved when a carbon-14 standard was imaged using the Sapphire

The Sapphire FL+ is one of only two scanners in its class that supports phosphor imaging—a highly sensitive assay that utilizes radioactivity. It can scan storage phosphor screens up to 20 x 40 cm, delivering outstanding dynamic range and image quality through its use of laser excitation and photon multiplier tube (PMT) detection.

Unlimited Laser and Filter Wavelength combinations

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.

Sapphire FL and Sapphire FL+ are the only biomolecular scanners that offer modular light sources, from the UV spectrum to the NIR. Using the 375 Standard Optical Module, it is able to image common DNA stains, such as Dapi and Hoechst.

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugated to AzureSpectra dyes, separated by SDS-PAGE, and transferred to membranes.
Bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugated to AzureSpectra dyes, separated by SDS-PAGE, and transferred to membranes. Western blots were imaged at 50 μm. Loaded amounts of dye-conjugated-BSA are given.

Sensitive Fluorescent Detection

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugated to AzureSpectra dyes, separated by SDS-PAGE, and transferred to membranes.
Bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugated to AzureSpectra dyes, separated by SDS-PAGE, and transferred to membranes. Western blots were imaged at 50 μm on the Sapphire FL. Loaded amounts of dye-conjugated-BSA are given.

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

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

Scanning with EDR demonstrates quantifiable linearity over the entire range of sample concentrations.
Dot blot scanned with (top image) and without (bottom image) EDR. Without EDR, the top four dots saturate and cannot be quantified. Scanning with EDR demonstrates quantifiable linearity over the entire range of sample concentrations.

Extended dynamic range allows you to image both bright and weak bands without experiencing saturation. This is ideal for the samples that feature strong and weak expressing proteins.

EDR extends dynamic range up to 24 bits of data.

Scanning with EDR demonstrates quantifiable linearity over the entire range of sample concentrations.
Dot blot scanned with (top image) and without (bottom image) EDR. Without EDR, the top four dots saturate and cannot be quantified. Scanning with EDR demonstrates quantifiable linearity over the entire range of sample concentrations.
50-micron scan of the same flower was merged in the Sapphire FL Capture Software to view all areas of focus at once.
50-micron scan of the same flower was merged in the Sapphire FL+ Capture Software to view all areas of focus at once.
A 50-micron scan of a flower was taken using an Azure Sapphire FL from 0 to 6 mm with 1 mm adjustments.
50-micron scan of a flower was taken from 0 to 6 mm with 1 mm adjustments.

Adjustable Focus

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

Some 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

Mouse lung tissue slide imaged on the Sapphire FL with 638 nm laser modules at 5 μm.
Mouse lung tissue slide probed for vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin (AzureSpectra 550 nm secondary antibodies) and smooth muscle actin (SMA) (AzureSpectra 650 nm secondary antibodies). Imaged on the Sapphire FL using the 532 and 638 Standard Optical Modules (red and green, respectively) at 5 µm.

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.

Mouse lung tissue slide imaged on the Sapphire FL with 638 nm laser modules at 5 μm.
Mouse lung tissue slide probed for vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin (AzureSpectra 550 nm secondary antibodies) and smooth muscle actin (SMA) (AzureSpectra 650 nm secondary antibodies). Imaged using the 532 and 638 Standard Optical Modules (red and green, respectively) at 5 µm.
chemiluminescent FLASH Western Blot HeLa serial each in duplicate antitubulin antiactin with marker imaged with Azure Biosystems chemiSOLO
Western blot of serially diluted HeLa cell lysate in duplicate with marker, probed for Tubulin and Actin, detected with the Flash Western Chemiluminescence Kit. Visualized on the Chemiluminescence Module.

Chemiluminescent Imaging When You Need It

chemiluminescent FLASH Western Blot HeLa serial each in duplicate antitubulin antiactin with marker imaged with Azure Biosystems chemiSOLO
Western blot of serially diluted HeLa cell lysate in duplicate with marker, probed for Tubulin and Actin, detected with the Flash Western Chemiluminescence Kit. Visualized on the Sapphire FL Chemiluminescence Module.

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

It allows you to capture proteins with femtogram sensitivity and gives you the ability to capture color marker images.

The Sapphire FL biomolecular imager is used for detecting and quantifying proteins and nucleic acids across a wide range of imaging applications, including western blots, tissue and microarray slides, multi-well plates, gel documentation, and phosphor imaging. It supports both chemiluminescent and fluorescent detection, enabling researchers to analyze multiple biomolecules with high precision.

The Sapphire FL stands out due to its modular design, allowing optimal excitation and detection of fluorophores from the UV to the NIR. Labs are free to choose the wavelengths that best support their research, rather than being locked-in to preselected channels. In addition, the Sapphire FL offers laser-based excitation, which provides higher sensitivity, lower background noise, and more accurate quantitation compared to LED-based systems. It also enables true multiplex imaging, allowing multiple targets to be detected simultaneously on the same blot without stripping and reprobing.

Yes, the Sapphire FL is designed for multiplex fluorescence imaging and can detect multiple targets in a single experiment. With a wide selection of standard laser modules, researchers can optimally detect several proteins or nucleic acid targets simultaneously, improving efficiency and conserving samples.

The Sapphire FL improves accuracy through its high-resolution imaging, wide dynamic range, and consistent laser-based excitation. These features reduce variability between experiments and allow for precise quantitation of signal intensity, helping ensure reproducible and reliable results.

The Sapphire FL is well suited for phosphor and fluorescence imaging applications such as western blot imaging, in-cell western imaging, protein quantification, nucleic acid detection, gel imaging, tissue and microarray slide imaging, and phosphor screen imaging. Its versatility makes it useful for both basic research and advanced applications requiring high sensitivity and multiplex capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applications

The new Sapphire FL+ provides you with the versatility to do more applications with one system. Browse the list of published examples below to see what the Sapphire FL+ is capable of.

Fluorescence Imaging

Phosphor Imaging

Specifications

ParameterSapphire FL+
Detection modesFluorescence, phosphor imaging, densitometry, and chemiluminescence*
DetectorsConfocal scanning with lasers and PMT or APD detectors
Pixel size5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 170, 200, 500, 1000 μm
Supported wavelength range375 – 900 nm
Excitation range375 – 850 nm
Emission range380 – 900 nm
Maximum field of view (FOV):46 cm x 25 cm
Z-plane focal range7 mm; minimum delta 0.01mm, from -1 mm below the glass to 6 mm above the glass
Standard optical modulesSolid-state laser diodes emitting at 375, 450, 488, 532, 638, 658, 685, 730, and 784 nm. Phosphor Standard Optical Module available.
Custom Optical ModulesCustom lasers and filters are available upon request to provide exceptional research flexibility.
Wide dynamic range24-bit
Clearance from platen to lid5 cm
Unit dimensions (W x H x D)​96.8 x 66 x 40.7 cm (38.1 x 26 x 16 in)
Weight​71 kg / 156.5 lbs
Power requirements100 – 240 VAC ± 10%, 50/60 Hz
Connection to computerFast LAN (Ethernet) cable
CertificationsCE, RoHS, cTUVus, CSA, CB scheme

*Chemiluminescence module sold separately

Resources

Brochures

Document TypeDescription
VideoHow the Sapphire FL Supports In Vitro to In Vivo ResearchWATCH
FlyerSapphire FL+ Biomolecular ImagerDOWNLOAD
BrochureSapphire FL Biomolecular Imager Family BrochureDOWNLOAD
BookletSapphire FL Biomolecular Imager Applications and PublicationsDOWNLOAD

Application Notes

Title Link

Product Inquiry

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What Scientists Say about the Sapphire FL

Our lab recently acquired a Sapphire FL Biomolecular Imager. This imager is a game-changer, and the analysis software is fantastic. Going from regularly using an imager built in the 90’s to a unit this modern is a substantial leap forward, but this overdue upgrade in machinery is not the sole reason for our excitement. Its sensitivity, resolution, and user-friendly UI speak volumes for the quality of the product and has made imaging an even more enjoyable part of our experiments. My colleagues and I are looking forward to using it for… more

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Ryan Steere
Graduate Student, Ohio University
I love the Sapphire! It completely changed my process to simplify acquiring top quality by multiplexing in FOUR channels to achieve publishable data every time. The secondary antibodies were incredible. I had so many ideas for how to use the flat bed to multiplex our assays on plates and really integrate protein recycling.
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Melissa Fernandez, PhD
Federal Research Fellow, NCI - Ft. Detrick
My lab has a Sapphire Imager RGB-NIR with 4 lasers for over a year and a half now. This has been a workhorse for us as we use it for fluorescent gels and western blots regularly. My researchers have been happy with it and I am pretty happy with the imager.
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Allen Liu
We have started using the Azure Sapphire FL and are loving it. We have it equipped for phosphor and fluorescence imaging. We love the interoperability, ease of use, and ability to acquire fluorescence from gels while they are still between glass plates.
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Jeff Dahlseid

For Research Use Only


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