Data file 29-0981-07 AC

Imaging systems, software, and accessories

Amersham™ Imager 600
Amersham Imager 600 series is a new range of sensitiveand robust imagers for the capture and analysis of highresolution digital images of protein and DNA samples in gelsand membranes. These multipurpose imagers bring highperformance imaging to chemiluminescence, fluorescence,and colorimetric applications. The design of Amersham
Imager 600 combines our Western Blotting application
expertise with optimized CCD technology and exceptional
optics from Fujifilm™. The system has an integrated analysis
software and intuitive workflow, which you can operate froman iPad™ or alternative touch screen device, to generate andanalyze data quickly and easily.

Amersham Imager 600 delivers:• Intuitive operation: You can operate the instrument froma tablet computer with an intuitive design and easy-to-use
image analysis software. You do not need prior imager
experience or training to obtain high-quality results.
Use the automatic capture mode for convenient exposure• Excellent performance: The system uses a superhoneycomb CCD and a large aperture f/0.85 FUJINON™
lens, which consistently delivers high-resolution images,
high sensitivity, broad dynamic range (DR), and minimal
cross-talk• Robustness: Combining minimal maintenance with ourproven expertise in Western blotting and electrophoresis
makes the imager well suited for multiuser laboratories.
Amersham Imager 600 is an upgradable series of imagers
that can grow with your imaging needs

Description
Amersham Imager 600 series is equipped with a dark sample
cabinet, a camera system, filter wheel, light sources, anda built-in computer with control and analysis software.
Network connection and USB ports are standard (Fig 2).

gelifesciences.com

Fig 1. Amersham Imager 600 series is a range of robust and easy-to-use
systems for chemiluminescent, colorimetric, and fluorescent image capture.

Settings such as focus, filter, illuminator, and exposure typeare automatically controlled by the integrated software.
You would obtain high resolution images and precise
quantitation of low signals with the multipurpose 16-bit
3.2 megapixel camera fitted with a large aperture lens. The
detector is cooled to reduce noise levels for high sensitivity
and wide dynamic range. Rapid cooling leads to a short
startup time, which makes the instrument ready to use inless than 5 min.
You can place the sample tray at one of two different heights
in the sample compartment to produce image-acquisitionareas of 220 × 160 mm and 110 × 80 mm, respectively.

The system can be used for a wide range of applications andit is fully upgradable between four different configurations(Table 1). Each configuration can be used for chemiluminescentdetection and nonquantitative gel documentation. The different
configurations are equipped with light sources and filters for
UV and white light trans-illumination, and red, green and blue

epi-illumination for multiple fluorescence detection. Opticaldensity (OD) measurements are calibrated for quantitation ofcolorimetric staining applications.
You can operate the system via an integrated computer,controlled from a wireless iPad, a USB-connected touch
screen, or a traditional monitor with a mouse and keyboard.

Table 1. Amersham Imager 600 series comprises four different configurations. Amersham Imager 600 QC is designed for QC applications

Amersham Imager 600

Amersham Imager 600UVWhite light (epi)××Amersham Imager 600RGB Amersham Imager 600QC
××

Chemiluminescence

×

×

×

×

UV Fluorescence

o

×

×

×

RGB Fluorescence

o

o

×

o

White light (trans)
calibrated OD
measurements

o

o

×

×

× Standard
O Optional

USB ports
Touchscreen

Network connection

Cabinet door

Sample tray

Power switch

USB ports

Fig 2. Amersham Imager 600 is ready to capture images within 5 min after startup. The imager is equipped with USB ports and a network connection.

2  29-0981-07 AC

Imaging performance

Intuitive operation and analysis

A bright, wide aperture FUJINON f/0.85 lens developed forchemiluminescent imaging projects sharp images onto a
specially patterned CCD (Fig 3).

Amersham Imager 600 can be controlled from either an iPador an alternative touch screen device. The user interface isintuitive and the workflow is easy to follow. The system isfully automated, which means that after startup, you do notneed to perform focusing, insertion of light sources, changing
of filters, calibrations, or other adjustments.
When the system is in automatic image capture mode, it
performs a short pre‑exposure of the whole sample todetermine the optimum exposure time for the strongest
signal without saturating the image so that an accuratequantitation of the sample can be attained. In semiautomatic image capture mode, an automated exposure
is made based on an area of interest defined by you.
Exposure times are also easy to set manually.
After image acquisition, the seamless workflow allows you
to detect and quantitate bands, determine molecular weight,
and perform normalization. The results are presented in bothtabular and graphical formats so that you can easily and quickly
analyze your data. For additional flexibility during data analysis,
we offer ImageQuant™ TL software.

Fig 3. The special octagonal interwoven pixel layout offers a dense matrix fora more efficient capture of light compared to a standard, square-pixel layout.

Amersham Imager 600 has high sensitivity, which allows
you to detect very weak signals in chemiluminescence andfluorescence applications for both protein and nucleic acids.
Moreover, the wide dynamic range of the imagers—over fourorders of magnitude—allows weak and strong signals tobe quantitated accurately at the same time. The camera iscooled to -25°C to reduce dark noise giving less backgroundnoise during longer exposure times, which is especially
important for the precise quantitation of very weak signals
in chemiluminescent Western blotting. The images areautomatically corrected for both geometric and intensity
distortion (radial, dark frame, and flat frame) in each imaging
mode. This provides images that need minimal post-processing
for publication.

You can use the system to obtain images of colorimetric markers
and stains, such as Coomassie™ Blue or silver. Moreover, whitelight imaging can be combined with chemiluminescence andfluorescence imaging to generate overlay images of marker
and sample. This feature allows quick molecular weight
estimation and simplified documentation.
The images can be stored in the system, on a USB memory
stick or external hard drive, or in a network folder.

Examples of imaging applications
The following examples of applications illustrate theperformance and flexibility of Amersham Imager 600.

Chemiluminescent Western blotting detection

Quantitative Western blotting requires a signal response thatis proportional to the amount of protein. A broad dynamic
range with linear response allows you to simultaneously
quantitate both high and low levels of proteins. The
Robustnesscombination of Amersham Imager 600 with either
Amersham Imager 600 is a highly robust series of instruments,
Amersham ECL™ Prime or Amersham ECL Select™ results
making it suitable for multi-user environments. The imagers
in a limit of detection in the picogram range and a dynamic
do not require calibration. Short exposure times and a fast
range covering three orders of magnitude.
analysis workflow means that several researchers can use thesystem in the course of a day. The camera system is designed
for simple operation.

29-0981-07 AC  3

Sample:Membrane:
Blocking:
Primary antibody:
Secondary antibody:
Detection:
Imaging:
Imaging method:
Dynamic range:

NIH/3T3 cell lysate two-fold dilution series starting at 5 µg
Amersham Hybond™ P
Amersham ECL Prime blocking agent 2% in PBS-T
Rabbit anti-ERK1/2 1:10 000
ECL Anti-rabbit IgG horseradish peroxidase 1:100 000
Amersham ECL SelectAmersham Imager 600
Chemiluminescence
2.7 orders of magnitude

Log integrated intensity

NIH/3T3 cell lysate
5 µg

8.0
7.5
7.0
6.5
6.0
5.5
5.0
4.5
4.0

Sample:Membrane:
Blocking:
Marker:Primary antibody:
Secondary antibody:
Detection:
Imaging:
Imaging method:

9.8 ng

DHFR

0.5

1.5
2.5
3.5
Log cell lysate amount (ng)1

4.5

Fig 4. A two-fold dilution series of NIH/3T3 cell lysate starting at 5 µg total
protein was subjected to chemiluminescent Western blotting and ERK was
detected with Amersham ECL Select. Dynamic range and linearity were
determined. ERK could be detected in a cell lysate with 9.8 ng of total protein.
Amersham Imager 600 showed a linear response for chemiluminescentdetection with low noise, high sensitivity, and a wide dynamic range.

Sample:Membrane:
Blocking:
Primary antibody:
Secondary antibody:
Detection:
Imaging:
Imaging method:
Limit of detection (LOD):

Two-fold dilution series of transferrin from 625 pg to 2.5 pg
Amersham Hybond P
3% BSA in PBS-T
Rabbit anti-transferrin 1:1000
ECL Anti-rabbit IgG horseradish peroxidase 1:75 000
Amersham ECL SelectAmersham Imager 600
Chemiluminescence
2.5 pg transferrin

Transferrin
625 pg

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Fig 6. The chemiluminescence mode allows simultaneous imaging ofchemiluminescent samples and colored molecular weight markers. This
image was taken from experiments for optimizing the expression of theprotein DHFR in E. coli grown under different conditions.

Fluorescent imaging
Amersham Imager 600 combined with Amersham ECL Plex™
provides high-quality data in applications that demand highsensitivity over a wide dynamic range. Furthermore, theminimal crosstalk of Amersham Imager 600, and the spectrally
resolved dyes Cy™2, Cy3, and Cy5, makes it a suitable system
for a wide range of multiplexing applications, such as thedetection of several proteins at the same time or different
proteins of similar size.

2.5 pgSample:Prelabeling:
Imaging:
Imaging method:
Limit of detection:
Dynamic range:

8.0
7.0

Two-fold dilution series of LMW marker with Phophorylase b
starting at 200 ng
Cy5
Amersham Imager 600
Fluorescence Cy5
98 pg phosphorylase b
3.3 orders of magnitude

Phophorylase b
200 ng

6.0

98 pg

5.0
4.0
3.0

0.0

1.0
2.0
Log protein amount (pg)3.0

Fig 5. Evaluation of limit of detection with Amersham Imager 600 forchemiluminescence using a two-fold dilution series of transferrin from 625 pg.

Amersham Imager 600 offers chemiluminescence imaging
with an automatic overlay function. This allows simultaneous
imaging of a chemiluminescent sample and a colored molecularweight marker. The overlay image retains the marker color.

4  29-0981-07 AC

Log integrated intensity

Log integrated intensity

E. coli lysate
Amersham Hybond ECL
3% BSA in PBS-T
Full range ECL Plex Fluorescent Rainbow Marker
Rabbit anti DHFR C-terminal 1:1000
ECL Anti-rabbit IgG horseradish peroxidase 1:100 000
Amersham ECL SelectAmersham Imager 600
Chemiluminescence with colorimetric marker

8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0

1.0

2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
Log protein amount (pg)6.0

Fig 7. Evaluation of linearity, dynamic range, and limit of detection for
fluorescence detection with Amersham Imager 600. A two-fold dilution seriesof phosphorylase b prelabeled with Cy5 shows a dynamic range of 3.3 ordersof magnitude.

Sample:Blocking:
Primary antibody:
Secondary antibody:
Imaging:
Imaging method:E. coli lysates
3% BSA in PBS-T
Rabbit anti DHFR C-terminal 1:1000
ECL Plex Goat anti rabbit-Cy3 IgG 1:2500
Amersham Imager 600
Fluorescence Cy3, Cy5

Prelabeling Cy5
Total protein

Sensitive imaging of total protein stains
Proteins may be visualized by treating a gel with a total
protein stain after performing 1D or 2D electrophoresis.
The most commonly used stains are Coomassie Blue orsilver staining. Fluorescent staining methods such as
SYPRO™ Ruby protein gel stain have the advantage ofbeing more sensitive.
(A)

Sample:Marker:Post staining:
Imaging:
Imaging method:E. coli lysates
Full range ECL Plex Fluorescent Rainbow Marker
Coomassie Brilliant Blue
Amersham Imager 600
Colorimetiric, white light epi-illumination

WB: DHFR Cy3

DHFR

1

(B)

Overlay

2

3

4

5

6

5

Two fold dilution seires of LMW marker
starting at 1000 ng
6Sypro7 Ruby8 9 10Amersham Imager 6002 ng
Fluorescence Blue Epi excitation
2 ng of carbonic anhydrase

Sample:LMW
Post
staining:
1 ng
2 3 4
1000
Imaging:
Imaging method:
Limit of detection:

7

8

9 10

LMW
1000 ng

DHFR

2 ng

Carbonic
anhydrase

Fig 8. Multiplex detection of total protein and target protein with Amersham
ECL Plex and Amersham Imager 600. Detection of DHFR (Cy3 green) in ninedifferent samples from a growth optimization of E. coli. Total protein in thesamples was prelabeled with Cy5 (red). The overlay image shows the DHFR
band in yellow. Crosstalk between Cy5 and Cy3 was minimal for Amersham
Imager 600, which makes it suitable for multiplex applications.

Log integratedLog
intensity
integrated intensity

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
8.0

Carbonic
anhydrase7.5
7.0

Fig 9. (A) Proteins
6.5 stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue and detected with
8.0
Amersham Imager
600. The illustration shows nine different samples of E. coli
6.0
lysates, from7.5
a growth optimization experiment for the expression of DHFR.
5.5was used as a reference (sample 10). (B) Two-fold dilution
Purified DHFR
7.0
series of the5.0
LMW-SDS Marker stained with SYPRO Ruby and detected with
6.5 0
2.0
3.0
4.0
Amersham Imager
600.1.0
Log protein amount (ng)

6.0
5.5
5.0

0

1.0
2.0
3.0
Log protein amount (ng)4.0

29-0981-07 AC  5

DNA imaging

Quantitative OD measurement

Electrophoretic separation of DNA is a common techniquethat is typically used for the analysis of vector cleavages,
DNA purification, and verification of successful PCR.
Traditionally, ethidium bromide (EtBr) has been used forvisualizing DNA, but today there are many alternative
DNA stains available, such as SYBR™ Green.

Amersham Imager 600 QC is a dedicated configuration for
densitometry applications in a QC environment. The system
contributes to a reliable control of products because it isequipped with highly sensitive optics that can detect trace
amounts of impurities accurately. Amersham Imager 600 QC
is available with IQ/OQ and validation support.

Sample:Post staining:
Imaging:
Imaging method:
Limit of detection:
Dynamic range:

Three-fold dilution series of KiloBase DNA Marker
Sybr Green I nucleic acid gel stain
Amersham Imager 600
Fluorescence Cy2
0.3 ng of total DNA
2.9 orders of magnitude

KiloBase DNA Marker
250 ngAmersham Imager 600 is autocalibrated for accurate andreliable measurements of optical density of proteins stainedwith colorimetric stains such as Coomassie or silver.
Sample:Post staining:
Imaging:
Imaging method:
Limit of detection:
Dynamic range:

Two fold dilution series of LMW marker
Coomassie Brilliant Blue
Amersham Imager 600
Colorimetric white transillumination
16 ng of carbonic anhydrase
1.8 orders of magnitude

LMW markers
1000 ng

8.0
7.5
7.0
6.5
6.0
5.5
5.0
4.5
4.0
1.5

2.5
3.5
4.5
5.5
Log amount of total DNA (pg)Fig 10. Three-fold dilution series of KiloBase DNA Marker in agarose gelstained with SYBR Green and detected with Amersham Imager 600.

Log integrated intensity

Log integrated intensity

Carbonic
anhydrase

3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
Log amount of carbonic anhydrase (ng)Fig 11. Image of a two-fold dilution series of LMW-SDS Marker in a gel
stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue. The image was recorded on
Amersham Imager 600 in trans-illumination mode, which allows you tomeasure the optical density of protein bands without calibration.

Installation and Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ)
validation services
GE Healthcare offers validation services to support yourequipment throughout its entire life cycle. Our validation
tests and protocols are developed and approved byvalidation experts and performed by trained and certified
service engineers. Our approach is in alignment with GAMP5,
ICH Q8-10 and ASTM E2500, whereby validation activities
and documentation focus on what is critical for endproduct quality, and are scaled according to risk, complexity,
and novelty. Our validation offering includes Installation
and Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ), Requalification, andChange Control Protocols (CCP).

6  29-0981-07 AC

Technical features

Ordering information

Table 2. Amersham Imager 600 RGB specifications

Product

Code number

CCD model:

Peltier cooled Fujifilm Super CCD

Amersham Imager 600

29-0834-61

Pixel area

15.6 × 23.4 mm

Amersham Imager 600UV

29-0834-63

Lens model:

FUJINON Lens f/0.85 43 mm

Amersham Imager 600QC

29-0834-64

Cooling:

Two-stage thermoelectric modulewith air circulation

Amersham Imager 600RGB

29-0834-67

CCD Operating temperature-25°C

Accessories included (depending on configuration)

Cooling down time:< 5 minBlack tray AI600

29-0834-17

Dynamic range:

16-bit, 4.8 orders of magnitude

UV trans tray AI600

29-0834-19

CCD resolution:

2048 × 1536, 3.2 Mpixel

White trans Tray AI600

29-0834-18

Image resolution:

Maximum 2816 × 2048, 5.8 Mpixel

White Insert AI600

29-0880-60

Operation:

Fully automated (auto exposure,no focus or other adjustment orcalibration needed)

Diffuser Board AI600

29-0834-20

Additional Accessories
Gel sheets (for UV trans tray)

29-0834-57

iPad 4 with AC Adapter Kit

29-1057-45

1/10 s to 1 h

Touch Screen Monitor with Stand

29-0939-66

Pixel correction:

Dark frame correction, flat
frame correction, and distortion
correction

RangeBooster N USB Adapter

29-0928-76

Image output:

Gray scale 16 bit tif, Color image
jpg, Gray scale jpg

ImageQuant TL 8.1, node locked license*

29-0007-37

Sample size:

160 × 220 mm

ImageQuant TL 8.1, 5 x 1 node locked license*

29-0008-10

Light sources:

Blue Epi light: 460 nm

Capture modes:

Automatic, semi-automatic,
manual (normal/incremental)

Exposure time:

Green Epi light: 520 nm
Red Epi light: 630 nm
UV transillumination light: 312 nm
White light: 470 to 635 nm
Emission filters:

Cy2: 525BP20
Cy3/EtBr: 605BP40
Cy5: 705BP40

Additional Software* External computer needed. Cannot be installed on Amersham Imager 600.

Upgrade options
Part/Description

Relevant for
configuration

Code number

AI600 Upgrade 600 to 600UV

600UV

29-0834-22

AI600 Upgrade 600UV to 600QC

600QC

29-0834-24

AI600 Upgrade 600QC to 600RGB

600RGB

29-0834-25

AI600 Upgrade 600UV to 600RGB

600RGB

29-0834-26

Interface:USB 2.0 and Ethernet port

IQ/OQ Validation service

Dimensions (W × H × D):

360 × 785 × 485 mm

Description

Service type

Code number

Weight:43.6 kg (Amersham Imager 600 RGB)IQOQ Amersham Imager

Input voltage:

100 to 240 V

Documents
Performance

29-0983-45
28-9926-54

Voltage variation:±10%

Requalification

Documents
Performance

28-9562-04
28-9926-54

Frequency:

50/60 HzCCP minor change

Max power:

250 W

Documents
Performance

28-9205-12
28-9926-54

Operating temperature:

18°C to 28°C

Humidity:

20% to 70% (no dew condensation)

29-0981-07 AC  7

For local office contact information, visit
www.gelifesciences.com/contact
www.gelifesciences.com/imaging
GE Healthcare UK Limited
Amersham Place
Little Chalfont
Buckinghamshire HP7 9NA
United Kingdom

GE and GE monogram are trademarks of General Electric Company.
Amersham, Cy, Hybond, ImageQuant, ECL, and ECL Select are trademarks ofGeneral Electric Company or one of its subsidiaries.
Coomassie is a trademark of Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd. Fujifilm
and Fujinon are trademarks of Fujifilm Corporation. iPad is a trademarkof Apple Inc. SYBR is a trademark of Life Technologies Corporation.
SYPRO is a trademark of Life Technologies Corp.
All other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CyDye: This product is manufactured under an exclusive license from
Carnegie Mellon University and is covered by US patent numbers 5,569,587
and 5,627,027.
The purchase of CyDye products includes a limited license to use the CyDye
products for internal research and development but not for any commercial
purposes. A license to use the CyDye products for commercial purposes issubject to a separate license agreement with GE Healthcare. Commercial
use shall include:
1. Sale, lease, license or other transfer of the material or any material
derived or produced from it.
2. Sale, lease, license or other grant of rights to use this material or any
material derived or produced from it.
3. Use of this material to perform services for a fee for third parties,
including contract research and drug screening.
If you require a commercial license to use this material and do not haveone, return this material unopened to GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB,
Bjorkgatan 30, SE-751 84 Uppsala, Sweden and any money paid for thematerial will be refunded.
© 2014 General Electric Company – All rights reserved.
First published Feb. 2014.
GE Healthcare UK Limited
Amersham Place
Little Chalfont
Buckinghamshire, HP7 9NA
UK
GE Healthcare Europe, GmbH
Munzinger Strasse 5
D-79111 Freiburg
Germany
GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences Corp.
800 Centennial Avenue, P.O. Box 1327
Piscataway, NJ 08855-1327
USA
GE Healthcare Japan Corporation
Sanken Bldg., 3-25-1, Hyakunincho
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073
Japan

29-0981-07 AC

06/2014