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Compare iBright imaging systems to identify the right solution for your western blot imaging, gel documentation, and protein analysis workflows. Evaluate imaging capabilities, fluorescence support, and analysis features to select the system that meets your research needs.
Explore the western blot workflow
Choose the right iBright imaging system for your workflow
The iBright imaging system portfolio includes solutions for routine chemiluminescent imaging, advanced quantitative analysis, and multiplex fluorescent western blotting. Whether you're transitioning from film, expanding imaging capabilities, or performing advanced protein analysis, iBright systems offer configurations designed to support a wide range of laboratory needs.
Use the comparison below to evaluate the CL750, CL1500, and FL1500 imaging systems and identify the configuration that aligns with your research needs.
- iBright CL750 Imaging System is recommended for chemiluminescent western blot and gel imaging.
- iBright CL1500 Imaging System is recommended for advanced western blot imaging and quantitative analysis.
- iBright FL1500 Imaging System is recommended for multiplex fluorescent western blot imaging with up to four fluorescence channels simultaneously.
Need gel documentation only? iGlow Gel Documentation System—one-touch gel imaging
For labs that need a simple, efficient solution for routine protein and nucleic acid gel imaging and documentation. Choose the iGlow system for quick, everyday gel imaging when western blot is not needed.
Compare iBright imaging systems
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Core essential western blot and gel imaging-transition from darkroom and film-based detection with ease |
Expanded application support with many of the same high-performance specifications as the iBright FL1500 imager |
Maximum application support including up to 4-channel multiplex western blot imaging |
Core imaging applications |
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Colorimetric stained protein gels |
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Fluorescent stained protein gels |
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Fluorescent stained nucleic acid gels |
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Colorimetric stained membranes |
Limited* |
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Chemiluminescent western blots |
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Colorimetric western blots |
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Fluorescent western blots |
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Specialty plate-based imaging applications |
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Fluorescent colonies (ex. GFP expressing) |
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Visible colonies (ex. crystal violet stained) |
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Qualitative visible imaging applications** |
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Opaque objects (e.g., 2D strips, TLC plates, leaf sections) |
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Camera |
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Detector |
Cooled 16-bit CCD, 65,535 shades of gray |
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Resolution |
9.1 megapixels |
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Lens |
Fixed, 25 mm, f/0.95 |
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Field of view |
22.5 x 18.0 cm (W x D) (image up to 4 mini blots or gels) |
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Binning modes |
1x1, 2x2, 4x4 (high-resolution/sensitivity settings) |
1x1, 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 5x5, 6x6, 8x8 (maximum flexibility for adjusting resolution and sensitivity based on needs) |
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Zoom |
1–2x, digital (digital zoom reduces the effective resolution of the zoomed image) |
1–8x (1–2x mechanical + 1–4x digital) (Mechanical zoom maximizes sensitivity by moving the camera closer to the sample stage, reducing focal length) |
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System interface |
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Touchscreen |
12.1 inch capacitive LCD display, 1,024 x 768 pixels |
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Storage and connectivity |
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USB |
2 USB (2.0) |
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Network |
Ethernet port, Connect (cloud-based) connectivity, optional Wi-Fi (adapter sold separately) |
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Image file format |
G2i (proprietary), TIFF, JPG, PNG |
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Hard drive |
256 GB SSD |
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System hardware |
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Sample drawer and stage |
Manually operated drawer with fixed stage |
Automatic open/close drawer with automatic rotating stage (up to 10°) |
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Filter set |
2 filters (0 excitation, 2 emission) |
4 filters (2 excitation, 2 emission) |
12 filter (6 excitation, 6 emission) |
Illumination source |
Green LED (470–550 nm) transilluminator |
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System software |
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Automated features and algorithms |
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Stand-alone analysis applications |
iBright Analysis Software: desktop version (macOS™ or Windows™ operating systems) and Connect (cloud-based) version iBright Analysis Software—Secure: (macOS™ or Windows™ operating systems) for 21 CFR part 11 compliance support |
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Shipping, warranty, and upgrades |
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Dimensions |
(L x W x H): 68 x 38 x 60 cm |
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Weight |
Approximately 47 kg (105 lb) |
Approximately 50 kg (110 lbs) |
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Warranty |
1 year from date of purchase |
2 years from date of purchase |
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*Membranes must be imaged when wet, using Thermo Scientific Pierce Reversible Protein Stain Kit for Nitrocellulose Membranes or Thermo Scientific Pierce Reversible Protein Stain Kit for PVDF Membranes.
**Applications help provide a qualitative visualization of the object or confirmation of the presence of signal. Not recommended for quantitation.
***Smart Range HDR available in chemiluminescent blot mode only.
Frequently asked questions
The iBright CL750 Imaging System supports routine western blot and gel imaging workflows. The iBright CL1500 Imaging System expands application support with enhanced imaging and analysis capabilities. The iBright FL1500 Imaging System offers the broadest application support, including multiplex fluorescent western blot imaging with five fluorescence channels and simultaneous capture of up to four fluorescent channels.
Select an iBright imaging system based on your detection needs and imaging applications. Also consider both current and future workflow requirements including chemiluminescent or fluorescent imaging, membrane and gel imaging, or additional applications such as colony counting or In-Cell Western assays.
The iBright FL1500 Imaging System supports multiplex fluorescent western blot imaging, enabling simultaneous imaging of multiple targets within a single experiment.
Yes. iBright imaging systems are designed to support both western blot imaging and gel documentation workflows, allowing researchers to image, analyze, and document protein and nucleic acid gels as well as western blot membranes on a single platform.
Yes. iBright imaging systems include analysis tools that support densitometry, molecular weight estimation, total protein normalization, and protein quantitation workflows to help researchers generate reliable and reproducible results.
Yes. All iBright imaging systems include integrated software tools for image acquisition, analysis, documentation, and data management. In addition, the free iBright Analysis Software extends these capabilities with tools for image analysis, annotation, organization, and reporting. It is available for Windows®, macOS®, and through Thermo Fisher Connect for cloud-based access.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.