Azure Biosystems Sapphire FL+ biomolecular imager for phosphor and fluorescence imaging

From large-format phosphor screens to high-throughput imaging workflows, the Sapphire FL+ by Azure Biosystems offers a 46 x 25 cm scanning bed — a scan area spacious enough to accommodate even oversized samples. From western blots and gels to microscope slides and model organism imaging, the product’s adjustable 5–1000 µm resolution provides high levels of flexibility.

The device has been billed as one of only two scanners in its class that supports phosphor imaging — a highly sensitive assay that utilises radioactivity. It can scan storage phosphor screens up to 20 x 40 cm, delivering good dynamic range and image quality through its use of laser excitation and photon multiplier tube (PMT) detection.

The product features a novel, patent-pending design of interchangeable and customisable 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.

The product scans between 5 and 1000 µm resolution to provide clear visualisation of detailed samples. Users can image complex and minute samples, including tissue and microarray slides, or triage multiple slides at high resolution before microscopic analysis.

An optional Chemiluminescence Module adds high-resolution, quantitative chemiluminescence and visible imaging. It allows users to capture proteins with femtogram sensitivity and provides the ability to capture colour marker images.