Electrophoresis & Visualization

Imaging and Gel Visualization

User Manual

Product Literature

Accuris SmartDoc 2.0 Imaging Enclosure

E5001-SD by Accuris is the SmartDoc 2.0 Imaging Enclosure — a compact darkroom box that lets any smartphone capture gel images from standard UV or blue light transilluminators. The 19 × 19 cm base fits most transilluminators, accommodates gels up to 15 × 15 cm (with extender), and includes an orange photo filter for blue-light gel imaging. No dedicated imaging software required.

Manufacture

E5001-SmartDoc-2.0-Filter-and-User-Guide

Orange photo filter (included with E5001-SDB)

SmartDoc Photo Filter, 590nm for imaging EtBR on UV transilluminator

SmartDoc Photo Filter, 535nm for imaging green stains on UV transilluminator

Accuris SmartDoc 2.0 System Accessories

Accuris SmartDoc 2.0 System with Blue Light Illumination Base

E5001-SDB by Accuris Instruments is the SmartDoc 2.0 blue light gel documentation system with a 460 nm LED base, imaging enclosure, orange viewing cover, and orange photo filter—your smartphone serves as the camera, avoiding the cost of a dedicated imager. Maximum gel size 15 × 15 cm; universal 100–240V input.

Maximum Gel Size

Excitation Source

Photo Filter

Viewing Cover

Phone Compatibility

Dimensions (W x D x H)

Weight

Electrical

Warranty

Accuris SmartDoc 2.0 System with Blue Light Illumination Base, 115V

Accuris SmartDoc 2.0 System with Blue Light Illumination Base, 230V

UV Transilluminators

<h2>What Are UV Transilluminators?</h2>
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A UV transilluminator is a device with a UV-emitting lamp (fluorescent tube or LED) beneath a UV-transparent filter glass or acrylic surface that allows ultraviolet light to pass upward through a gel or membrane placed on top, exciting fluorescent dye molecules intercalated into nucleic acids and causing them to emit visible fluorescence. The visible fluorescence forms the bright bands on a dark background seen when a stained DNA gel is placed on a UV transilluminator. Three UV wavelengths are used: 254 nm for maximum DNA cross-linking and nick analysis; 302 nm (medium-wave UV) for EtBr and SYBR stains with high sensitivity but significant DNA damage at exposures above 30 seconds; and 365 nm (long-wave UV) for the lowest DNA damage during gel cutting and for viewing EtBr at reduced band contrast. Blue-light transilluminators at 465-470 nm replace UV entirely for compatible dyes, eliminating UV-induced DNA damage and hazardous UV exposure. Choose the transilluminator wavelength based on the dye used and whether the DNA will be recovered from the gel for downstream cloning or sequencing - 302 nm for EtBr visualization only; 365 nm or blue-LED for band cutting.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What You Will Find:</h2>
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<a href="mbpinc.net/equipments/electrophoresis-and-visualization/uv-transilluminators/uv-transilluminators-accessories">UV Transilluminator Accessories:</a>&nbsp;Essential protective gear and upgrade components designed to enhance your imaging workflow and user safety.
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<a href="mbpinc.net/equipments/electrophoresis-and-visualization/uv-transilluminators/reagents">Reagents: </a>Premium-grade stains and buffers formulated to provide high signal-to-noise ratios and optimized fluorescence for every run.
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<h2>How to Choose a UV Transilluminator</h2>
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Wavelength selection
254 nm UV is optimal for photocrosslinking DNA to nylon membranes (UV crosslinkers, 120 mJ/cm2 standard crosslinking dose) and for maximum excitation of some dyes, but causes severe DNA strand breaks. 302 nm is the standard wavelength for EtBr gel visualization, providing bright bands in 10-30 seconds; DNA damage begins immediately at this wavelength, so exposure should be minimized to under 30 seconds for any DNA intended for cloning. 365 nm gives lower EtBr fluorescence intensity but dramatically reduces DNA strand breaks, making it preferred when gel band cutting and subsequent cloning efficiency are important. Blue LED at 465-470 nm is the safest option for any downstream application and is used with SYBR Safe, GelGreen, and SafeView stains.
UV lamp type: tube vs. LED
Traditional UV transilluminators use fluorescent UV tubes (8-25 W), which require 1-2 minutes of warm-up time, have a lifespan of 2,000-5,000 hours before replacement, and emit heat that can warm the gel surface during extended exposure. LED-based UV transilluminators offer instant-on capability (no warm-up), 50,000+ hour LED lifespan, lower energy consumption, and no UV tube replacement cost. As of 2025, LED UV and blue-LED transilluminators are standard in new lab installations; fluorescent tube models remain common in established labs.
Viewing surface dimensions
The UV-transparent surface determines the maximum gel size that can be viewed in one placement. Standard viewing surfaces are 20 x 20 cm (400 cm2) for standard agarose gels. Compact transilluminators with 10 x 10 cm surfaces (100 cm2) suit mini gel systems. Large-format transilluminators with 30 x 30 cm (900 cm2) surfaces can accommodate multiple gels or wide-format gels simultaneously. Confirm that the viewing surface area is larger than your largest gel tray to avoid needing to reposition the gel during band visualization.
UV safety features
UV transilluminators emit radiation that causes photokeratitis (eye damage) and skin burns within seconds of unprotected exposure. Safety requirements include: UV-blocking face shields or goggles (polycarbonate blocks UV below 380 nm); UV-opaque lab coat or arm sleeves; a darkroom enclosure or hood to contain UV radiation during imaging; and an auto-shutoff timer to limit exposure time. Gel doc systems with enclosed hoods automatically contain UV radiation and are inherently safer than open-top transilluminators used with handheld cameras.
Compatibility with SafeView DNA stains
SafeView stains (Safe-Green, Safe-Red, Safe-White) from MBP are compatible with UV transilluminators at 302-365 nm as well as blue-LED sources. Safe-Green (excitation 490 nm, emission 525 nm) is best with blue-LED at 470 nm. Safe-Red (excitation 540 nm, emission 630 nm) requires a green LED or white light source. UV transilluminators will visualize Safe-Green at reduced efficiency compared to blue-LED; for best results with SafeView stains, a dual UV + blue-LED system is recommended.
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
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UV transilluminator output intensity is specified in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2) at the viewing surface; 5-25 mW/cm2 at 302 nm is typical for research-grade instruments. Higher intensity enables shorter exposure times to minimize DNA damage. UV tube replacement is required every 2,000-5,000 hours of use for fluorescent-tube models; performance degrades progressively as the tube ages. Replacement tubes for standard 8 W or 15 W UV transilluminators are available through laboratory supply channels. Blue-light transilluminators at 470 nm have been shown in published studies to cause no measurable reduction in cloning efficiency even after 30-minute exposure, compared to a 30-second UV exposure that reduces transformation efficiency by 40-50% when using EtBr-stained DNA. Blue-LED transilluminators are the default specification for new labs purchasing gel visualization equipment, driven by safety compliance requirements in many institutions and the growing adoption of non-mutagenic dyes, including SafeView, SYBR Safe, and GelGreen.
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To discuss product availability or get selection guidance,&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">contact the MBP team</a>.

E3100

Accuris™ Compact UV Transilluminator

E3100 by Accuris Instruments is a compact 302&nbsp;nm UV transilluminator with four 6W UV bulbs, a 6.5&times;5.3-inch scratch-resistant viewing surface, and a UV-blocking cover. Supports ethidium bromide, SYBR Green, SmartGlow, and Gel Green stains. Weighs 0.9&nbsp;kg; includes 12VDC adapter for 115V supply. 2-year warranty.

Accuris™ Compact UV Transilluminator, 16.5x13.5cm, 115V

Accuris™ Compact UV Transilluminator, 16.5x13.5cm, 230V

User Manaual

Accuris™ UV Transilluminator

E3000 by Accuris Instruments is a 302 nm UV transilluminator with a 16 × 19 cm black tempered glass viewing surface, four high-intensity UV bulbs, and a dual-intensity switch (50% / 100%) for DNA-safe gel visualization and band excision. Compatible with EtBr, SYBR Green, and SmartGlow stained gels. Pairs with the SmartDoc™ imaging enclosure (filters E5001-535 / E5001-590) for camera documentation. 115 V standard; 230 V available as E3000-E. Order at mbpinc.net.

Accuris™ UV Transilluminator, 230V input

Accuris™ UV Transilluminators Specifications

Accuris™ UV Transilluminator, 21x26cm, Variable Intensity

E3200 by Accuris Instruments is a UV transilluminator with a 21 × 26 cm viewing surface, 302 nm peak-emission wavelength, and variable-intensity control via a continuous adjustment knob. Four 14-watt UV bulbs resolve faint stained nucleic acid bands on large or multiple gels simultaneously. Scratch-resistant UV filter glass and acrylic UV-blocking covers with friction hinges support safe gel access at 115V.

Accuris™ UV Transilluminator, 21x26cm, Variable Intensity, 115V

Accuris™ UV Transilluminator, 21x26cm, Variable Intensity, 230V

Electrophoresis System Accessories

Extra casting set for 10.5x10cm and 10.5x6cm gels. Includes stand, trays, E1101-COMB1 double-sided combs

E1200-CS1 by Accuris Instruments is an extra casting set for the myGel™ E1101 electrophoresis system, covering 10.5 × 10 cm and 10.5 × 6 cm gel formats. Includes casting stand, gel trays for both formats, and E1101-COMB1 double-sided multichannel-compatible combs. Ideal for parallel gel preparation or replacement of worn E1101 casting components. Order at mbpinc.net using SKU E1200-CS1.

Accuris myGel Mini electrophoresis-MyGel Mini Comb

Gel Casting Stand for 5x6cm gels, includes 4 trays, and 2 combs (18/10 teeth)

E1101-CS2 by Accuris is the SureCast™ gel casting set for 5 × 6 cm mini gels, designed for the E1101 myGel™ Mini Electrophoresis System. The kit includes four 5 × 6 cm casting trays and two double-sided combs (18/10 teeth), enabling rapid small-format gel runs for colony PCR screening, restriction digest confirmation, and teaching workflows.

Gel Casting set for 10.5x6cm gels, includes stand, 2 trays, and 2 combs(22/12 teeth)

E1101-CS1 by Accuris Instruments is the myGel Mini gel casting set for 10.5 × 6 cm agarose gels, including a casting stand, 2 trays, and 2 reversible combs (22-tooth and 12-tooth faces) for the Accuris E1101 electrophoresis system.

Electrophoresis System

InstaView™ Electrophoresis System-InstaView Brochure

myGel InstaView™ Complete Electrophoresis System with Blue LED Illuminator

myGel InstaView™ Complete Electrophoresis System with Blue LED Illuminator, 230V input

myGel InstaView™ Gel Tank with Blue LED Illuminator

myGel InstaView™ Gel Tank with Blue LED Illuminator, 230V input

myGel InstaView™ Package: E1200 and E2301 touch screen power supply

myGel InstaView™ Package: E1200 and E2301 touch screen power supply, 230V input

Extra double-sided combs, 22/12 teeth, for E1200-CS1 Casting Set, pk of 2

Orange filter cover for mini LED transilluminator

myGel InstaView

InstaView™ Electrophoresis System

E1201 by Accuris Instruments is the myGel InstaView™ Complete Electrophoresis System — a compact, all-in-one gel electrophoresis platform with a built-in 465 nm blue LED transilluminator for real-time DNA band visualization during the run, eliminating the post-stain step. The system includes gel tank, power supply, casting set, LED transilluminator, and imaging enclosure for smartphone gel photography. Gel capacity: 10.5 × 10 cm or 10.5 × 6 cm; voltage: 35V, 50V, or 100V; weight: 2.3 lbs. Two-year warranty.

E1200-OC by Accuris is the orange filter cover for the E1200 and E1201 myGel InstaView mini LED transilluminators. It blocks the 465 nm blue LED emission to enable safe, eye-protective DNA band viewing and gel band excision without additional safety glasses. Sold as one filter cover; can be positioned flat or angled over the illumination surface.

Imaging and Gel Visualization Accessories

Orange viewing cover

E5001-OC by Benchmark Scientific (Accuris) is the 18 × 18 cm orange PMMA viewing cover for the SmartDoc™ 2.0 gel imaging system. The orange PMMA material absorbs blue light from the SmartDoc 2.0's LED illuminator, enabling safe gel visualization and photography without UV goggles. The cover can be angled forward for direct gel access during band excision. Available as a replacement for the cover included in the E5001-SDB complete system.

Reversible Combs, 18/10 teeth, for E1101-CS2 Casting Stand, pk 2

E1101-COMB2 by Accuris are double-sided reversible gel casting combs with 18 wells on one face and 10 wells on the other, for the E1101-CS2 casting stand of the myGel Mini Electrophoresis System. Multi-channel pipette-compatible. Sold as 2 combs per pack, they serve as direct replacement combs for the E1101 system or expand capacity for labs running dual-tray gel setups.