The G:BOX Chemi XR5 system provides the user with an extended range of applications covering fluorescence and chemiluminescence. This system utilises Syngene’s groundbreaking GeneSys automatic control software. Driven from a database containing hundreds of capture protocols, full manual control is available should you wish to use it.
The G:BOX Chemi XR5 features a 5 million pixel camera and has a cooling temperature of -57 degrees Celsius, resulting in outstanding images with minimal background interference. Whether using the system for standard fluorescence applications such as DNA, or for chemiluminescence imaging, the G:BOX Chemi XR5 will give you high quality results.
The stylish new design with modular construction includes motor-driven lenses, filter wheels with the option of including a range of lighting choices for both Epi and transillumination applications.
The system comes complete with unlimited copies of GeneTools analysis software.
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| G:BOX Chemi | XR5 | XL1.4 | XT4 | XX8 |
| Camera | ||||
| CCD camera (m pixels) | 5.0 | 1.4 | 4.2 | 8.3 |
| Bit depth (grey scales) | 16 bit/65,536 | 16 bit/65,536 | 16 bit/65,536 | 16 bit/65,536 |
| Dynamic range | 4.8 OD | 4.8 OD | 4.8 OD | 4.8OD |
| Cooling |
Ultra peltier cooling with forced air for extra long exposures, cooled to -57 degrees Celsius |
Ultra peltier cooling with forced air for extra long exposures, cooled to -57 degrees Celsius |
Ultra peltier cooling with forced air for extra long exposures, cooled to -57 degrees Celsius |
Ultra peltier cooling with forced air for extra long exposures, cooled to -57 degrees Celsius |
| Lens (motor driven with feedback) | ||||
| Type | F1.2 | F0.85 | F0.95 | F1.4 |
| Darkroom | ||||
| Hinged door | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Safety interlocked | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in white light | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Filter selector | ||||
| 7 position filter wheel motor driven with UV orange filter |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transilluminator | ||||
| 20x20cm |
Optional |
Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 25x30cm | Optional | Optional | No | Optional |
|
UltraBright-LED blue 20x16cm |
Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Epi lighting | ||||
| UV 254, 365 or 302nm | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Epi RGB modules | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Epi IR modules | Not recommended | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Conversion screen | ||||
| UV/visible light Novaglo converter | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Size | ||||
| Dimensions (cm) | 57x 85x43 | 57x100x52 | 57x100x52 | 57x100x52 |
The biggest difference between a Syngene system and any other is in the way the system is controlled. At the heart of all Syngene systems is GeneSys which is an application driven control software. With G:BOX you can use GeneSys in either Automatic or Manual mode.
It is assumed that the user will know exactly what their application is and how they have prepared their gel or blot. In Auto Mode they simply enter this information into GeneSys (or recall it from a saved configuration) and the system takes over the rest. Behind GeneSys is an extensive database which contains data relating to a very wide range of applications, eg, fluorescence, chemiluminescene and chemifluorescence. Once the G:BOX has been told what sample to expect then GeneSys decides what hardware configuration is best and sets the system ready for image capture. Things like camera control, exposure time, sensitivity setting, lighting requirements, lens control, filter selection – all of this is taken care of by GeneSys. The user just has to click the ‘capture’ button and wait for the perfect image to appear.

From the opening screen the user can select the mode of operation – Auto or Manual. It is also possible to access the image browser and enter the edit screen to work on previously stored images. Previously stored configurations are shown on the left as small ‘notebooks’.

In Auto Mode the user simply selects the ‘sample format’, the ‘sample type’ and the ‘matrix type’. The software has been designed for use with a touch screen.

Once the application type has been selected GeneSys then offers the user a range of dyes from its database. The user then simply selects the dye. It is also possible to undertake multiplex applications in which case the user would select each dye from the available list. The database behind GeneSys contains over 210 different dyes and stains and is updated on a regular basis as more options come onto the market.

Once the dye has been selected then the system will automatically configure itself to capture the best possible image of the sample. The lighting, filter and camera exposure settings are all automatically adjusted for the sample type. The captured image is displayed in the main screen with small thumbnail images of the current and previous images (either opened or captured) shown in an image ‘pool’. Note the icons at the foot of the screen which enable previous pages to be selected.
The fully automatic functions of GeneSys allow even the most difficult or complicated gels and blots to be imaged. For example with Chemiluminescence the system uses its intelligence to know the output profile of most of the major substrates. It can then decide the exposure setting best suited to a particular substrate. Then during the image capture process it continually monitors the output from the blot until the best image is produced.
Another example of the power of GeneSys is when working with multiplex blots. Once the application information is selected by the user GeneSys will make separate exposures using the correct filter, lighting and camera setting for each dye. The final multiplex image will be displayed.

On the image edit page the user can enhance the image, add annotation, save or print.

Not everyone wants their system to take automatic control. Therefore, there is the ability for the user to take complete control of every function of the system by using the manual mode. GeneSys has been designed using the most advanced software tools available. Primarily it has been designed for use with a ‘touch’ panel PC and to take advantage of the new functions afforded by Windows 7. Selection of all options using the simple interface is easy and intuitive.
The XR5 is a superb flexible system suitable for all your fluorescence imaging needs and also for low light level chemiluminescence from blots and plates.
It is the first product in its price class to offer 5 million pixels - and these are REAL pixels and not an 'effective' resolution or a digital zoom function. This is far greater than our competitors offer and sets the XR5 aside as a unique product. With this level of resolution we guarantee superb images of gels, blots and plates. The camera is also 16 bit for maximum dynamic range.
The camera is cooled and has very low noise so imaging chemiluminescent samples is easy. Using GeneSys software makes capture of any sample a simple, automatic process. Exposure times of many hours are possible and always result in clean, crisp images.
The G:BOX XR5 is a highly versatile system capable of imaging all routine samples, EtBr and safe alternatives, SYBR, coomassie plus chemi blots, colony plates and many fluorescent applications including red, green and blue excitation.
The XR5 comes with a UV transilluminator, a UV to white light converter and epi white LED. It is simple and cost effective to fit epi UV, blue, green and red lighting either at time of purchase or later. There is a seven position motor driven filter wheel. The entire system is fully motor driven with lens feedback, filter wheel, lighting and exposure time, all controlled, regulated and optimised through the powerful GeneSys acquisition software.
The XR5 offers high performance at an affordable cost, it is suitable for a lab using many sample types requiring versatility whilst retaining simplicity.
The G:BOX Chemi XL1.4 is a system for those seeking very high sensitivity for chemiluminescence at a low price. The optics are configured to enable maximum light detection, and a motor driven sample stage ensures your blot gets as close as possible to the camera. If required a blot of 24 x 18 cm may be imaged.
The XL has a 1.4m pixel camera with large pixels and has an excellent ability to detect a chemiluminescent signal using our largest aperture motor driven lens with feedback.
The XL1.4 comes as standard with epi LED white lights and no UV transilluminator, white light converter or filters. However it can easily and inexpensively be upgraded with these features, and others including red, green, blue and IR lighting if required.
Like all the models in the G:BOX range, the XL1.4 is driven by the intuitive, automated GeneSys software. Without any training a user can capture a superb image of their sample, all they need to know is what is on it. Optimum imaging times are automatically calculated for chemiluminescence. An image of colorimetric markers is captured and overlaid to allow sizing of bands in addition to quantitation. The 16 bit camera gives excellent linear dynamic range.
For high chemiluminescent sensitivity at a great price, and a capacity for all your fluorescence work too, look no further than the XL1.4.
The XT4 is the first of our high end systems, giving excellent high resolution images every time. It is suitable for all your fluorescence imaging needs and also low light level chemiluminescence from blots and plates. It is capable of imaging all routine samples, EtBr and safe alternatives, SYBR, coomassie, chemi blots, colony plates and many fluorescent applications including red, green, blue and IR excitation.
The 16 bit camera has 4.2m pixels of resolution. With large pixels there is rarely any need to select binning even when looking at very low light levels. The fully motor driven sample stage optimises the distance between camera and sample each time giving maximum resolution and sensitivity.
The XT4 comes with a UV transilluminator, a UV to white light converter and epi white LED. It is simple and cost effective to fit epi UV, blue, green, red or IR lighting either at time of purchase or later. There is a seven position motor driven filter wheel. The entire system is fully motor driven with lens feedback, filter wheel, lighting, sample stage and exposure time, all controlled, regulated and optimised through the powerful GeneSys acquisition software.
The XT4 has enough resolution to cope with 2D gels, even some microscope slides can be imaged in detail with this flexible system. For DIGE samples an edge illumination unit can be fitted to give the best results.
An essential component in any lab with multiple sample types and a requirement for high quality images every time.
The XX8 is our top of the range, high resolution imaging system, suitable for the most demanding users and applications. It is suitable for all your fluorescence imaging needs and also low light level chemiluminescence from blots and plates. It is capable of imaging all routine samples, EtBr and safe alternatives, SYBR, coomassie, chemi blots, colony plates and many fluorescent applications including red, green, blue and IR excitation.
The 16 bit camera has a massive 8.3m pixels of resolution. This offers very flexible binning options leading to extremely fast capture times. The fully motor driven sample stage optimises the distance between camera and sample each time resulting in maximum resolution and sensitivity.
The XX8 comes with a UV transilluminator, a UV to white light converter and epi white LED. It is simple and cost effective to fit epi UV, blue, green, red or IR lighting either at time of purchase or later. There is a seven position motor driven filter wheel. The entire system is fully motor driven with lens, filter wheel, lighting, sample stage and exposure time, all controlled, regulated and optimised through the powerful GeneSys acquisition software.
The XX8 has enough resolution to cope with even the smallest 2D gels, some microscope slides can be imaged in great detail with this flexible system. For DIGE samples an edge illumination unit can be fitted to give the best results.
The high specification XX8 system is an essential component for the lab with multiple sample types and where only the very highest quality images are acceptable.
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UltraBright-LED transilluminator Blue light transilluminators are often used as an alternative to a UV transilluminator when users wish to use ‘safe dyes’ instead of Ethidium Bromide. A blue light transilluminator is a ‘safe’ light source, in that the user is not exposed to harmful UV radiation and samples are free from photonicking. The UltraBright-LED transilluminator can be used instead of the UV transilluminator in all Syngene G:BOX systems.
UltraBright-LED transilluminator can be used with gels up to 20 x 16cm for use in the G:BOX series. This model uses side mounted 470nm LED arrays for illumination. .Please refer to the Syngene database for the comprehensive list of dyes which can be used with this transilluminator.
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Epi UV The Epi UV module can be fitted to any G:BOX Chemi darkroom (those produced after July 2010). The module fits above the standard LED white light module which is standard on all G:BOX Chemi systems. The Epi UV module can have either a 254nm, 365nm or 302nm tube. Either one or two modules can be fitted to each darkroom.
Please refer to the Syngene database for the comprehensive list of dyes which can be used with the Epi light module. |
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Filters The filter wheel takes the 58mm range of filters.
Please refer to the Syngene database for a more comprehensive list of dyes which can be used with each filter. |
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Light modules For a more versatile G:BOX Chemi system, LED light modules for red, green and blue light can be fitted to an optional lighting gantry.
With this new lighting system the user can select which wavelength of light they require for any specific application. The lighting modules are single wavelength and contain LEDs and a dedicated filter. Each module is "plug and play". Once plugged into the gantry the module is electronically registered by the G:BOX Chemi which recognises the wavelength and type of filter being used.
Up to 4 modules can be plugged into each side of the darkroom. It is possible to fit identical modules to increase intensity or to use a number of modules with different wavelengths. Modules are normally fitted in matched pairs, one either side.
There are 8 different LED modules to choose from:
Module Wavelength Filter type Applications Blue 465 Cut off General Blue (m) 465 Band pass Close range multiplex apps Green 520 Cut off General Green (m) 520 Band pass Close range multiplex apps Red 635 Cut off General Red (m) 635 Band pass Close range multiplex apps IR 740 Cut off General IR (m) 740 Band pass Close range multiplex apps
Please refer to the Syngene database for the comprehensive list of dyes which can be used with the LED light modules. |
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Printer Any printer with appropriate Windows drivers can be attached to the G:BOX Chemi. We recommend an A6 thermal printer such as Sony or Mitsubishi. These USB printers will "plug and play" with the G:BOX Chemi and require minimal set up. They will print hard copies of images in under 5 seconds on long life glossy thermal paper to give photographic quality images. |
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IQ/OQ/PQ proceduresMore and more laboratories require IQ/OQ/PQ verification these days. Syngene’s IQ/OQ/PQ procedures take the user through each step in the verification of a Syngene system in meeting the demands of the laboratory, regulatory compliances and standard operational procedures (SOP). These simple procedures allow the user to verify that a system meets defined installation, quality and performance specifications.
Installation Qualification (IQ)This verifies that when a system is unpacked it conforms with all purchasing, shipping and unpacking documents. Once this procedure has been followed the system is then ready for the operational check process.
Operational Qualification (OQ)This procedure establishes if the system meets all the operation and functionality specifications. An operational test is also included at this stage.
Performance Qualification (PQ)A performance check will establish if the system meets the specification for the nature of the purpose it was intended for. This is verified by using a simple target to establish if the system can meet performance criteria.
DocumentationEach set of IQ/OQ/PQ documents contains a complete set of procedures and checklists for following the verification steps. Included with each ‘pack’ is a simple calibration device (target image) so that the performance of the system can be checked against the PQ requirements. Each set of documents is unique to a particular system and has to be ordered with the system itself. The document pack has full instructions for use and implementation.
Who does this?Customer - typically a customer can perform these tests by themselves. Their own internal QC department will be familiar with these processes.
Syngene or its distributorsTrained Syngene personnel or trained distributors can also perform the IQ/OQ/PQ procedures, normally at a nominal charge. |
“We’ve had a G:BOX Chemi for over two years and we use it for analysis of DNA fragments to examine relationships between taxa. We compared the G:BOX Chemi with three others from leading manufacturers and chose this system because it makes gel documentation very straightforward and offers the best performance.
We have been very pleased with the G:BOX Chemi and by Syngene’s responsive technical support, so when we needed another gel doc system we knew purchasing a second G:BOX was the right decision”.
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“We use our G:BOX Chemi HR16 regularly for teaching students how to visualize DNA and proteins on gels and proteins on Western blots. The system is simple to work with and the students can use it with very little training. Since the software is so intuitive, it is almost impossible for them to get things wrong!”
“We have also found the real-time, on-line technical support service is excellent. As we’re a bit off the beaten track here, we cannot always wait for an engineer or rep to come out and it’s very reassuring to know Syngene support staff can help us remotely to rapidly resolve any technical questions which arise.”
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“We know Syngene systems are reliable as we have had a Syngene gel doc for years which has survived being used to its absolute limits. When we needed a second image analyser for imaging Westerns of protein associated with muscular dystrophy, we looked at others but finally stayed loyal to Syngene and installed a G:BOX iChemi XT.”
“This was a great decision because the G:BOX iChemi XT is not as expensive as many that can image fluorescent Westerns, yet the system can detect low levels of proteins using ECL imaging, as well as overlay fluorescent Westerns. This has allowed us to compare different labels directly on the same blot, and more importantly, to have total confidence that the qualitative data on up and down-regulated proteins produced by the G:BOX iChemi XT is accurate.”
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“We are a core protein production facility, so we clone and express a wide range of proteins. We chose to install a G:BOX chemiluminescence imaging system in 2008 because of the three we assessed it is the most flexible, has the most user-friendly software and produces a data set that is much simpler to manage for chemiluminescent Westerns than autoradiography.”
“Since then, we’ve seen more and more researchers in the university switching away from using X-ray film for their chemiluminescent blots and over to the G:BOX chemiluminescence imager, which I think shows how easy this system is to use.”
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“We work with up and down-regulated genes and proteins from fruit fly eyes, which can generate very weak chemiluminescent signal. We stain our DNA with SYBR SafeTM DNA gel stain, protein gels with Coomassie® Blue R and immunoblots with ECL PlusTM, so we have to have an imager that can handle all these applications.”
“After reviewing four imaging systems, we decided to install the G:BOX iChemi XR because it gave us the value of essentially having two systems in one and the GeneTools analysis software is, in my opinion, the best on the market.”
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“We need quality control methods that are both fast and accurate to make sure we deliver the best antibodies. We used an infrared fluorescence detector for imaging our chemiluminescent Western blots but found it took too long to get the data so in 2007 we installed a G:BOX Chemi XT16 to see if CCD imaging would increase our throughput.
We were delighted to find the G:BOX Chemi XT16 generated accurate results in a fraction of the time and as it costs half the price of an infrared detector it made sense to install another three in 2008. Now we use four G:BOX Chemi XT16 systems to image more than 200 Western blots every week. Obtaining the data is now so much quicker and easier and we are supplying more scientists than ever with high-quality antibodies thanks to our G:BOX Chemi XT16 systems”.
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“Our G:BOX Chem HR16 has been fantastic. The system is in constant use for analysing both gels and Western blots and does at least 10 runs every day. We have been so impressed with our Syngene image analyser and the excellent technical support team’s can do attitude that we are looking to purchase another Syngene G:BOX specifically for proteomics.”
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