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Glossary

1. company & positioning

INTAS Science Imaging Instruments GmbH

An established provider of digital imaging systems for life science laboratories based in Göttingen since 1975. The focus is on the development and production of devices for gel documentation, Western blot analysis and fluorescence/chemiluminescence detection.

“Made in Germany”

All systems are developed and manufactured in Germany. This stands for high quality, durable construction and long-term availability of spare parts.

System approach

INTAS combined:

  • Hardware (imagers, cameras, light sources)
  • Software (Analysis & Workflow)
  • Consumables (e.g. colorants)

The aim: complete, integrated imaging solutions for laboratories.

2. areas of application in the life sciences

2.1 Money documentation

Gel documentation refers to the recording and analysis of electrophoresis gels. It is one of the most established methods in molecular and microbiology.

Gel electrophoresis is the preliminary step in order to be able to take an image of an electrophoresis gel. For this purpose, cut genetic material (DNA/RNA) or proteins are sorted by size through a fine-pored gel with the help of applied voltage. In order to make the resulting bands of material of the same size visible, they are stained with a dye. Established dyes such as ethidium bromide or HDGreen Plus are excited with UV or blue/green light and then stand out more or less clearly from the gel.

The purpose of gel documentation is to record the image of these gels in order to document the results and thus make it possible to evaluate these results (e.g. molecule size and quantity).

INTAS has experience as a leading manufacturer since the beginning of money documentation. Early devices took the pictures with Polaroid cameras developed in-house. Since 1986, the image has been captured with a video camera – completely without film and digitally. Precise software quantification is therefore possible.

Money documentation requires robust and easy-to-use devices so that they can withstand everyday laboratory use and are easy for staff to learn. INTAS therefore relies on full metal darkrooms with durable mechanics, high-quality lenses and robust cameras.

2.2 Western blot imaging using chemiluminescence (ECL) and fluorescence

The Western blot (or protein immunoblot) is a key molecular biology method for detecting specific proteins in a sample (e.g. tissue or cells) and determining their size. Proteins are separated by gel electrophoresis, transferred to a membrane (blotted) and visualized using antibodies. Detection is carried out using chemiluminescence or fluorescence.

Chemiluminescence

Chemiluminescence is the generic term for chemical reactions in which light is emitted as a reaction result. Luciferin reacts with luciferase in the presence of ATP and oxygen. During this oxidation, bioluminescence occurs and a weak light is emitted.

Similar to gel documentation, this glow appears in bands on gels and membranes. However, as the signal is many times weaker compared to the glow of ethidium bromide, very long exposure times are required.

The camera used by INTAS for the chemiluminescence system therefore has an extremely low-noise sensor that does not produce any artifacts that could make quantification impossible, even with long exposure times. In addition, INTAS uses high-aperture and very fast fixed focal length lenses for chemiluminescence.

The advantages of chemiluminescence detection are:

Highest sensitivity: ECL substrates can detect even the smallest amounts of target protein (low-abundance proteins), which are often not visible with colorimetric methods.

Versatile detection: signals are compatible with both traditional X-ray film and modern, digital chemiluminescence imager systems.

Established protocols: This is a proven, fast and often cost-effective procedure with a high level of robustness.

Fluorescence

Fluorescence detection by Western blot is a modern method for the detection of proteins that differs from classical chemiluminescence (ECL) due to its direct labeling, high quantification and multiplexing capabilities. Instead of enzymatic reactions, fluorophores are used which emit light of a different wavelength after excitation with light of a certain wavelength. The advantages of fluorescence detection are:

Multiplexing: Multiple proteins (e.g. target protein and loading control) can be detected simultaneously on the same membrane when antibodies from different host species are used.

Precise quantification: Fluorescence signals are directly proportional to protein concentration, providing a wider linear range for quantification.

Stable signal: In contrast to the ECL, the signal remains stable over a long period of time, which enables archiving and multiple measurements.

No “stripping”: Since several targets are recognized simultaneously, the time-consuming stripping and re-incubation (reprobing) of the blot is often no longer necessary.

The analysis of expression patterns using chemiluminescence and fluorescence is a central component of modern proteomics and gene expression, whereby various 1D and 2D methods are used for separation and detection.

1D methods (SDS-PAGE / Western blot): Proteins are primarily separated according to their molecular weight. Detection is carried out using antibody-based chemiluminescence or fluorescence markers.

2D methods (2D-PAGE / 2D-DIGE): separation of proteins according to isoelectric point (IEF) and molecular weight. Fluorescence Difference Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE) enables the direct comparison of samples (control vs. treated) on a gel using different fluorescent dyes.

3. product categories & systems

3.1 Gel documentation systems (gel imaging)

Money documentation system (GelDoc)

A closed system for capturing high-resolution images of gels with integrated camera and lighting.

INTAS systems:

  • GelMate → Price-performance model
  • GelStick → Test winner
  • GelJet → All-round system

Important properties:

  • Flexible light sources or transilluminators (UV, blue/green, white light)
  • Highly sensitive imaging of even weak bands
  • Image output with 12-16 bit for high grayscale depth
  • Autofocus and intuitive operation

3.2 Chemiluminescence & fluorescence imagers

INTAS systems:

  • ChemoStar Plus → robust variant
  • ChemoStar Touch → High-end variant
  • ChemoStar XL → Large field variant

Important properties:

  • 9 MP scientific CMOS cameras
  • Very high dynamic range and 16-bit image data
  • Large mounting surfaces (up to 25 × 30 cm)
  • Specialized fluorescence modules (RGB & NIR)

Recording modes:

  • HighSensitivity → for extremely weak signals
  • HighDynamic → for maximum dynamic range
  • Balanced → Combination of both properties

3.3 Transilluminators

Transilluminator

A transilluminator is an essential laboratory device for the visualization of DNA, RNA or protein samples, usually after gel electrophoresis, by backlighting. They use UV, blue or white light as excitation to visualize fluorescent dyes (such as ethidium bromide or safer alternatives) in agarose gels.

Variants:

  • UV (ultraviolet light)
  • Blue/green (visible light which is gentler on the sample and safer for the user)
  • White light (for colored gels, e.g. Coomassie or silver staining; enables the visualization of non-fluorescent samples)

Advantages of blue/green light:

  • less DNA damage
  • safer for users
  • Compatible with modern dyes (including HDGreen Plus from INTAS)

3.4 Reagents & additional products for gel documentation and Western blot imaging

HDGreen Plus

A non-toxic DNA dye as an alternative to ethidium bromide.

  • High sensitivity
  • Safe application

Smart Protein Layers (SPL)

Patented technology for stain-free protein visualization.

  • Saves time
  • avoids toxic chemicals
  • enables exact quantification in relation to the total protein

Thermoprinter

Direct documentation of experiments for lab books.

3.5 Digital slide scanner

Pathogenic Slide Scanner (also known as Digital Pathology Slide Scanner or slide scanner) is a highly specialized medical device that can digitize glass slides with tissue sections in extremely high resolution. Slide scanners convert physical samples from histopathology into digital images, known as whole slide images (WSI).

This is a central component of digital pathology and enables pathologists to examine, manage and archive tissue samples on a monitor instead of a traditional microscope. Current systems use AI-supported evaluation tools for automated analysis of tissue images for the fastest possible diagnoses.

3.6 Cell Analyzer

The Countstar FL is an image-based fluorescence cell analyzer specifically designed for automated cell counting, viability determination (live/dead analysis) and morphological analysis. It utilizes advanced image processing technology to provide accurate data and eliminate human error in manual counting.

3.7 Extended life science terms

Fluorophores
Fluorophores are molecules that absorb light and re-emit it at a different wavelength. They are used to mark biological samples.

ECL (Enhanced Chemiluminescence)
ECL is an enhanced form of chemiluminescence that is used for particularly sensitive protein detection.

Multiplex imaging
Multiplex imaging enables the simultaneous detection of several targets in one sample.

Signal amplification
Signal amplification increases the detectability of weak biological signals.

4. CMOS camera technology

4.1 Definition

A CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor is a semiconductor chip that converts incident light into digital image signals by integrating photodiodes and amplifier circuits directly on the sensor. Each pixel has its own transistors for charge conversion and amplification, which enables fast, flexible readout. Further advantages are the low power consumption and high resolutions.

4.2 Significance in life science imaging

CMOS cameras are crucial for:

  • High sensitivity → Detection of weak signals (e.g. Western blots)
  • Large dynamic range → Quantitative measurements over several orders of magnitude
  • Fast readout → real-time imaging possible
  • Low noise → better signal quality

INTAS uses scientific grade CMOS cameras for maximum precision.

Only at first glance do the digital cameras used by INTAS appear to be unable to keep up with current consumer digital cameras. Scientific cameras suitable for research, such as those used by INTAS, need not and cannot have many megapixels.

Unlike consumer digital cameras, it is not the highest resolution that is required, but sensitivity and very low noise from the CMOS sensor used.

The greater the sensitivity of the sensor and therefore the camera, the easier it is to digitally distinguish the finest differences between two color or grey levels similar to the human eye. Sensitivity is specified in bits, which is why INTAS uses 12 and 16 bit cameras (consumer cameras: 8 bit). Recognizing these subtle differences is essential for quantifying the data (e.g. from money documentation).

High-sensitivity scientific cameras manage with fewer pixels than consumer cameras. The sensors used are larger in area and have fewer pixels at the same time. A scientific sensor, for example, has a size of 2/3″ and 800,000 pixels, while consumer cameras often have 1/4″ or smaller and 8,000,000 pixels. One pixel of such a scientific camera therefore captures around 27 times more light than the chip of a consumer camera.

The sensors in the cameras trigger currents when they are hit by light. This is how a digital image is created from photons. However, the individual pixels of a sensor can also trigger randomly (without light incidence) and thus falsify the image and the data. This false information (artifacts) in the image is called digital noise. The longer the exposure time, the more random triggers there can be and the stronger the noise. Pixel size also has a strong influence on image noise. Large pixels produce much less noise than small ones. Especially with chemiluminescence, long exposure times are necessary and require cameras optimized for this. INTAS therefore offers cameras that can expose for 12 hours (consumer cameras usually only a few seconds).

The digital cameras used by INTAS all have low noise levels. This is partly because the sensors are specially selected and partly because the individual pixels are many times larger than in consumer cameras.

4.3 Important performance parameters

Resolution (megapixels)
Determines the level of detail (e.g. 5 MP vs. 9 MP).

Bit depth (12/16 bit)
The bit depth determines the number of gray levels that can be displayed. A higher bit depth enables a finer gradation of signal intensities.

Dynamic range
Allows simultaneous display of weak and strong signals.

Quantum efficiency (QE)
Measure of light yield → decisive for sensitivity.

Noise behavior
Low noise is essential for precise measurements of weak signals.

4.4 Important technical terms

Quantum efficiency (QE)
The quantum efficiency describes how efficiently a sensor converts incident photons into electrical signals. A high QE value is crucial for the detection of weak signals.

Binning
Several neighboring pixels (e.g. 2×2, 3×3 or 4×4) are combined into a single pixel. This results in a higher light sensitivity and a better signal-to-noise ratio. However, the image resolution is reduced. Low-light objects can therefore be imaged more quickly.

Full Well Capacity
The Full Well Capacity (FWC), often referred to as “maximum pixel storage capacity”, refers to the maximum number of electrons that a single pixel of an image sensor can hold before it is saturated. It largely determines the dynamic range and the camera’s ability to display bright image areas without overexposure (clipping).

Dynamic range
It defines the ability of a sensor to differentiate both very bright and very dark areas in a shot simultaneously without losing detail.

Exposure time
This determines how long light hits the image sensor. The correct setting is decisive for the signal intensity. The dynamic range defines the maximum signal intensity before the signal is saturated. The exposure time can be set automatically via a prescan in 4×4 binning or manually.

Dark current
Dark current is an unwanted electrical signal that occurs even when there is no light. It affects the image quality, particularly with long exposure times.

Peltier cooling
Peltier cooling in cameras is an active, electronic cooling system using semiconductor elements (TEC) that cools the image sensor to well below ambient temperature. This drastically reduces thermal image noise (dark current). This is crucial for long exposures (often with chemiluminescence), as cooler sensors provide a cleaner, less noisy image and therefore improve image quality.

Signal-to-noise ratio
The signal-to-noise ratio describes the ratio between the useful signal and background noise. A high ratio enables better detection of weak signals.

Background correction
Background correction removes interfering signals from an image. It improves the accuracy of the quantitative evaluation.

ROI (Region of Interest)
A region of interest (ROI) is a defined image area that is specifically analyzed.

Image quantification
Image quantification describes the measurement of signal intensities in scientific images. It enables reproducible comparisons of samples.

Reproducibility
Reproducibility describes the ability to achieve results again under the same conditions. It is a central factor in scientific research.

Data integrity
Data integrity ensures that data remains complete, correct and unchanged. It is essential for valid scientific results.

5. optics & lighting

Important technical terms

Optical density (OD)
The optical density describes the absorption of light by a sample. It is often used to quantify proteins or nucleic acids.

Emission spectrum
The emission spectrum describes the wavelengths of light emitted by a fluorescent sample. It is crucial for the selection of suitable filters.

Excitation wavelength
The excitation wavelength is the wavelength of light required to excite a fluorescent sample to emit light.

Filter sets
Filter sets consist of excitation, emission and dichroic filters and enable the selective detection of certain fluorophores.

Luminous lenses (e.g. f/0.95)
Increase light yield → crucial for weak signals (essential for chemiluminescence detection)

LED excitation modules

  • Blue
  • Green
  • Red
  • NIR

→ enable targeted fluorescence analyses

Filter technology
Selects specific wavelengths for precise signal detection.

6. software & data analysis

Important technical terms

Normalization
Normalization is a procedure for adjusting measured values in order to achieve comparable results between samples.

Linear range
The linear range describes the range in which signal intensity and concentration are proportional to each other. It is crucial for quantitative analyses.

Saturation
Saturation occurs when a signal exceeds the maximum detection capacity of a sensor.
This leads to a loss of information.

Calibration
Calibration is the process of adjusting a system to ensure accurate and reproducible measurement results.

Quantitative imaging
Quantitative imaging enables the precise measurement of biological signals from image data. It is a central component of modern life science analysis.

Image capture software

  • Automatic and manual control
  • Workflow-based operation
  • ROI analysis (region of interest)
  • Autofocus

Image processing

  • False color display
  • Marker overlay
  • Multiplexing
  • Export functions (raw file, contrast-optimized image file and PDF report)

Image analysis (qualitative and quantitative)

  • Background correction
  • Band detection
  • Volume measurement
  • Track analysis

7. workflow in the laboratory

Typical procedure:

  1. Sample preparation (DNA, RNA, protein)
  2. Electrophoresis
  3. Excitation by transilluminator
  4. Recording by CMOS camera
  5. Analysis and quantification in software
  6. Documentation (e.g. thermal printer)

8 Special strengths of INTAS systems

  • Highest sensitivity for weak signals
  • Modular expandability (e.g. fluorescence, UV, blue/green)
  • User-friendly operation (touchscreen, software)
  • Durable, robust construction
  • Complete solutions incl. reagents and accessories

Summary

The product and technology portfolio of INTAS Science Imaging Instruments GmbH enables precise, reproducible and highly sensitive imaging in the life science sector. The entire digital imaging chain in the life science sector is covered – from sample excitation and highly sensitive CMOS cameras to quantitative analysis.

In particular, the combination of:

  • modern CMOS camera technology,
  • flexible lighting,
  • powerful software

makes the systems a complete solution for research, diagnostics and quality control.