Cleaver Scientific (CSL) has introduced an ultra-compact documentation system that can be used to capture images from agarose gels, colorimetric gels and blotting membranes, for example.
The CSL Microdoc Basic is based upon existing Microdoc systems and includes many of the features from these models, such as a high-resolution 32-bit RGB 14.7megapixel Canon digital camera, an ethidium bromide filter, plus 2GB flash card and reader.
This compact system has a lightweight removable darkroom hood and can be supplied with any one of the 21 x 21cm CSL transilluminators.
The Microdoc Basic is designed to view a variety of images directly through the 14.7megapixel camera.
These images can be captured from agarose gels, other fluorescent gels, colorimetric gels, auto-radiography film and blotting membranes, while an optional SYBR filter permits viewing of SYBR stained gels.
The system's small footprint (34cm x 25cm) makes it suitable for laboratories restricted by space and it can be used completely independently of a PC.
It enables files to be saved in numerous formats and then transferred to computer for analysis using the 2GB flash card and reader or USB cable.
Alternatively, images can be printed directly from the recommended Mitsubishi P93 thermal printer.
The Microdoc Basic is available with entry-level Totallab 1D software with 1D gel and western blot analysis functions.
Other software such as Totallab Quant offer additional array analysis, colony counting and analysis toolbox functions, while more advanced band pattern matching and further in-depth lane relationship study modules are provided by Phoretix software.
Cleaver Scientific can also supply specialist software for users interested in standard 2D and DIGE applications.