UVP FirstLight UV Transilluminators User Manual

FirstLight UV Transilluminators

Instruction Manual

UVP, LLC Ultra-Violet Products Ltd.
2066 W 11th Street, Upland, CA 91786 Unit 1,Trinity Hall Farm Estate,
Tel: [phone] Nuffield Road Cambridge CB4 1TG UK
Fax: [phone] Tel: [phone] / Fax: [phone]

Web site: www.uvp.com

81-0226-01 Rev C

FirstLight UV Transilluminators Page 2

UV Blocking Cover may be

Power switch

Filters are available in a

Unique, patented filter and
Grid light source design for

Introduction

UV transillumination is a ubiquitous tool in Life Science research. With few exceptions, fluorescent
stains used in post electrophoresis analysis of proteins and nucleic acids have significant excitation
peaks with ultraviolet (300-365 nm) light, making midrange UV the excitation source of choice for
high sensitivity analysis for many fluorophores. However, quantitative analysis is limited by the
extreme lack of illumination uniformity across the surface of typical UV light boxes. We report the
development and characterization of a highly uniform UV transillumination system, the FirstLight®
UV Illuminator. Through use of a high density lighting system with a tuned phosphor coating,
uniformity of <5% CV across the imaging surface has been achieved and applied to proteomic
analysis.

Presently, the use of digital fluorescent imaging for both documentation and analysis of
electrophoretic separations is commonplace in biological research laboratories[1]. Applications
include protein and DNA gel documentation and analysis [1-5,7,8]. With the introduction of cooled
low light and high resolution CCD cameras[1], CCD capture is an attractiv e alternative to laser
scanning based approaches.

The FirstLight UV Illuminator represents a unique highly uniform excitation source for quantitative
fluorescent imaging.

The FirstLight features:

included with the
transilluminator. The cover
is hinged and adjustable to
varying heights

phosphor coating enable
edge-to-edge UV uniformity

superior uniformity

variety of filter sizes from
20 x 20cm to 25 x 26cm

FirstLight UV Transilluminators Page 3

Specifications

The FirstLight UV illuminator features a powder coat housing base and stainless steel frame. The
stainless steel frame is coated with an antimicrobial substance that resists bacterial growth. The
filter assembly is a unique combination of phosphored and filtered plates. The unit include s:

 UV blocking cover
 UV transmitting Gel-Tray with cm markings
 Gel-Cutter tool
 Fluorescent target

Physical dimensions of the FirstLight UV illuminator:
Width: 14.0” (356 mm)

Depth: 11.0” (279 mm)
Height: 5.63” (143 mm) Height includes UV blocking cover

Nominal
Model Part Number Volt/Hz/Amp Wavelength Filter Size

FI-26X 95-0364-01 100-115/50-60/1.5 302 nm 25 x 26cm
FI-26X 95-0364-02 230/50/0.8 302 nm 25 x 26cm

FI-20 95-0365-01 100-115/50-60/1.5 302 nm 20 x 20cm
FI-20 95-0365-02 230/50/0.8 302 nm 20 x 20cm

FI-26 95-0366-01 100-115/50-60/1.5 302 nm 21 x 26cm
FI-26 95-0366-02 230/50/0.8 302 nm 21 x 26cm

Transilluminator Operation

Safety Precautions

Caution: The FirstLight UV illuminators are powerful sources of UV radiation that will cause

damage to unprotected eyes and skin. Before operating any unit, ensure all personnel in the area
are properly protected. It is preferable that the illuminator be installed and operated in a darkroom
where access and exposure is limited while the unit is in operation. If a darkroom is unavailable,
UVP offers imaging darkroom systems which provide protection from accidental exposure. For
information on the systems, contact UVP.

Unless configured with another system to create a darkroom environment, the illuminator is
equipped with a UV blocking cover. Even though this cover blocks the ultraviolet radiation emitted
by the unit, UV blocking eyewear should be worn as well. UVP has a complete line of UV blocking
eyewear: spectacles, goggles, and faceshields designed for this purpose. For part numbers, see
the Accessories section.

Caution: The grid lamp contains Mercury. Dispose as hazardous waste according to local, state,
and federal codes. MSDS sheet available upon request.

FirstLight UV Transilluminators Page 4

When the UV Blocking Cover is not being
used, UV light may escape through the
holes dedicated to accepting the bracket

Insert the safety plugs through the

Safety Plug

pins of the UV Blocking Cover.

 Remove the black safety plugs from

their package



holes as shown.

Set-Up

 Place the transilluminator on a level work surface. Be sure that an air space exists around the

bottom of the work surface. This space allows for the proper air circulation through the unit.

 Plug the female end of the power cord into the transilluminator. For 230 volt models, or those

requiring special power cord connectors, ensure that the proper configuration of male
connector or plug has been properly connected to the power cord.

 Plug the male end of the power cord into a properly grounded electrical outlet. The proper

voltage of the transilluminator is found on the product information label.
NOTE: If using the transilluminator with an imaging system, a jumper cable is required for

connecting to the darkroom. Refer to the imaging system documentation for additional
instructions.

 The transilluminator may be equipped with a UV Blocking Cover. Remove the brown protective

paper from the cover. Insert the bracket pins on the cover into the holes on the front of the
transilluminator. The cover is adjustable to varying angles for access to the filter surface.

If not using the transilluminator with an imaging system darkroom, do not operate the unit without
securing the cover. If the cover is missing, a UV Blocking Faceshield must be worn to avoid UV
exposure to the skin. UV Blocking Eyewear should be worn even with the cover in place to avoid
accidental UV exposure.

FirstLight Applications

Using the FirstLight along with digital fluorescent CCD imaging has a number of advantages,
including:

 Low capital cost compared to laser based scanning
 High detection sensitivity
 Wide dynamic range
 Rapid signal acquisition by low noise CCD cameras (typically msec to seconds)
 Availability of a wide range of highly sensitive stains for protein and nucleic acid analysis. With

few exceptions, fluorescent stains used in post electrophoresis analysis of proteins and nucleic
acids have significant excitation peaks with ultraviolet (300-365 nm) light, making midrange UV
the excitation source of choice for high sensitivity analysis for most fluorophores [2].

 Rapid multiplex analysis of proteins (multiple fluorescent signatures from a single gel), greatly

simplifying the analysis of protein expression, turnover, and posttranslational modifications
after one and two dimensional SDS PAGE separations.

FirstLight UV Transilluminators Page 5

In the past, quantitative CCD imaging with UV has been difficult due to the lack of uniformity found
in typical UV transilluminators. Accurate and repeatable UV imaging requires a uniform light
source. Uniform Illumination of the FirstLight is critical for quantitative analysis and ensures:

 Sensitivity and dynamic range are consistent across the illumination surface
 Little or no reliance on uniformity correction by software that can lead to low signal data loss
 Straightforward gel to gel comparison

Through design of the FirstLight UV Illuminator, quantitative UV imaging is now possible.

Using the Transilluminator

 Place gel/sample on the filter area. It is recommended to place the gels on a Gel-Tray to

protect the filter surface from cuts and scratches. It is recommended that gloves be worn to
avoid contact with gel and staining agents.

 Press the ON/OFF switch to ON. Prior to use each day, it is recommended that approximately

a ten-minute warm-up period be observed for the initial use. When frequently turning the unit
on and off, the warm-up period is not required.

 After viewing/photographing the sample, turn the transilluminator off.

Uniformity

Through the use of a high density lighting system with a tuned phosphor coating, uniformity of <5%
CV across the imaging surface is achieved and applied for quantiative fluorescent imaging.

Each unit comes with a Certificate of Uniformity, measuring the coefficent of Variance.
The chart below demonstrates the uniformity across the filter area.

FirstLight UV Transilluminators Page 6

Servicing Procedures

Servicing the Transilluminator

The FirstLight UV illuminator has no serviceable parts at the customer location except the
fuses. See below for replacement fuse part numbers.

NOTE: The warranty is void if the unit is opened! The illuminator must be returned to the factory for
repairs or replacement of parts, except the fuses.

A Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) number must be obtained from UVP Customer Service
before returning any product. Contact UVP for shipping instructions. A shipping box and packing
materials are available if required.

Cleaning and Care of the Transilluminator

Clean unit surface with a damp soft cloth or sponge. Never use abrasive cleaners, solvent based
cleaners or scouring pads as these can damage the UV filter surface.

ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE ILLUMINATOR FROM THE EL E CTRICAL P OWER PRIOR TO
CLEANING THE UNIT.

To protect the filter glass and minimize moisture and liquids on the glass, use a UV transmitting
Gel-Tray . Refer to the Replacement Parts for ordering information.

Replacement Parts/Accessories

For replacement parts or components not shown here, please call UVP Customer Service or place
of purchase. Please have the transilluminator model number available when calling.

Replacement Part Description Part Number

Cover, UV blocking 19-0121-01
Filter Assembly 38-0254-04 (25x26 cm)
38-0254-02 (20x20 cm)
Grid Lamp Replacement Kit 88-0022-01
Cover, UV-Blocking 19-0121-01
Ballast 42-0061-03
Fuse, 2 amp, 250V, Slo-Blo (all voltages) 56-0022-03 (Qty. 2 Required)

Accessories Description Part Number

Gel-Tray, UV Transmitting, FirstLight 38-0296-02
Fluorescent Focus Target 98-0064-01
Gel-Cutter 85-0002-01
Gel-Scooper 85-0006-01
Gel-Ruler, UV Fluorescing 85-0003-01
Spectacles, UV Blocking 98-0002-01
Goggles, UV Blocking 98-0002-02
Faceshield, UV Blocking 98-0002-04

FirstLight UV Transilluminators Page 7

Technical Support

UVP offers technical support for all of its products. If you have any questions about the product’s
use or, operation, please contact UVP’s offices at the following locations.

If you are in North America, South America, If you are in Europe, Africa, the Middle East,
East Asia or Australia: Western Asia:

 Call [phone] or [phone]  Call [phone] Customer
Customer Service regular business regular business days, between 9 am
days, between 7 am and 5 pm PST and 5:30 pm

 E-Mail:

 Fax Customer Service: [phone]  Fax Customer Service: [phone]

 W rite to: UVP, LLC  W rite to: Ultra-Violet Products Ltd.

2066 W. 11th Street Unit 1, Trinity Hall Farm Est, Nuffield Rd

Upland, CA 91786 USA Cambridge CB4 1TG UK

Note: A Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) number must be obtained from UVP Customer

Service before returning any product.

[e-mail]  E-Mail: [e-mail]

Warranty

UVP, LLC warrants its Ultraviolet Transilluminators to be free of detects in materials and workmanship
for a period of two (2) years from date of purchase. The foregoing warranty of UVP shall be of no force
and effect if buyer has modified or damaged the product. Tubes and filters are warranted for 90 days.

All warranties or merchantability and fitness for any purpose and all other warranties, expressed or
implied, except those expressly set forth herein, are deemed waived and excluded.

UVP’s duty under the warranty is limited to replacement and/or repair of the defective part at the option
of UVP, LLC. UVP shall not be liable for any expenses or damages incurred by the purchaser except
as expressly set forth herein, and in no event shall UVP be liable for any special, incidental or
consequential damages of any kind. This warranty does not supersede any statutory rights that may be
available in certain countries.

Patents

The FirstLight UV Illuminator is covered under the following US and International Patents:

 US 6,670,619, US 6,911,657 US 7,030,392, US 7,081,637
 GB 2,399,265 Patents Pending

UVP … Providing Quality Products for the Researcher Since 1932

FirstLight UV Transilluminators Page 8

References

Waluszko, A.1, Cole, K.1, Osburn, M.2, Zhang, H.1, Galdamez, L.1, Meyer, R.1, Messenger, R.1,

1.

Chakravarti, B.3, Chakravarti D.3, Gallagher, S.R.1 , Applications of a Highly Uniform UV
Transillumination Imaging System for Quantitative DNA and Protein Analysis, 2004
1

UVP, LLC Upland, CA 91786; 2Scripps College, Claremont CA 91711; 3Keck Graduate Institute,

Claremont CA 91711

2. Gallagher, S.R., B. Moomaw, and S. Medberry, Digital electrop horesis analysis, in Current
Protocols in Molecular Biology, F.M. Ausubel, et al., Editors. 2004, John Wiley & Sons: New York.

3. Haugland, R.P., Handbook of Fluorescent Probes and Research Products. 2003.

4. Patton, W.F. and J.M. Beechem, Rainbow’s end: the quest for multiplexed fluorescence quantitative
analysis in proteomics. Curr Opin Chem Biol, 2002. 6(1): p. 63-9.

5. Yan, J.X., et al., Fluorescence two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and mass
spectrometry based proteom ic analys is of Esche ric hia co li. Proteomics, 2002. 2(12): p. 1682-98.

6. Patton, W.F., Detection technologies in prot eom e anal ysis. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed
Life Sci, 2002. 771(1-2): p. 3-31.

7. Steele, R.G.D. and J.H. Torrie, Principles and procedures of statistics. Second ed. 1980: McGraw-
Hill Book Company.

8. Gallagher, S.R., et al., Immunoblotting and immunodetection, in Current Protocols in Molecular
Biology, F.M. Ausubel, et al., Editors. 2004, John Wiley & Sons: New York.

9. Sasse, J. and S.R. Gallagher, Staining proteins in gels, in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology,

F.M. Ausubel, et al., Editors. 2003, John Wiley & Sons: New York. p. 10.6.