INNOTEG EasyDetec-UV / EasyDetec-UVW Portable UV Transilluminator with Integrated Imaging System

Overview

The INNOTEG EasyDetec-UV and EasyDetec-UVW are compact, battery-powered portable UV transilluminators engineered specifically for rapid, on-the-go visualization and documentation of nucleic acid and protein gels under ultraviolet illumination. Unlike conventional benchtop transilluminators requiring fixed power outlets and external imaging setups, these instruments integrate a dual-wavelength UV excitation source (254 nm for high-sensitivity DNA detection and 365 nm for low-photodamage visualization or ethidium bromide–free dyes), a calibrated CMOS imaging module, a high-contrast LCD display, and embedded storage — all within a lightweight, ergonomic handheld chassis. The system operates on the principle of UV-induced fluorescence: when nucleic acids or fluorescently labeled biomolecules are exposed to UV light, they emit visible photons that are captured directly by the onboard optical path, eliminating the need for darkroom conditions or secondary camera alignment. This architecture supports real-time observation, immediate digital capture, and field-deployable documentation — critical for teaching laboratories, mobile diagnostics units, field-based molecular screening, and resource-limited settings where infrastructure stability is constrained.

Key Features

• Battery-operated design with rechargeable Li-ion pack enabling continuous operation for up to 3.5 hours at nominal UV output — ideal for off-grid use, classroom demonstrations, or field sampling.
• Dual-band UV illumination (254 nm and 365 nm) with independently selectable wavelengths via tactile interface; optimized irradiance uniformity across the active viewing area (120 × 120 mm).
• Integrated light-tight hood with hinged front shield ensures complete ambient light exclusion during imaging — essential for maintaining signal-to-noise ratio in fluorescence detection.
• Onboard CMOS imaging system (5 MP resolution, f/2.0 lens, adjustable exposure control) coupled with a 5-inch anti-glare LCD display enables live preview, focus verification, and immediate post-capture review without external monitors.
• One-touch capture functionality saves images in JPEG format to internal 8 GB flash memory; metadata (timestamp, wavelength selected, exposure time) is embedded in EXIF headers for traceability.
• Wi-Fi 802.11n module supports direct peer-to-peer transfer to iOS/Android devices or Windows/macOS hosts via dedicated application — no cloud dependency or internet connectivity required.
• Photoelectric sensor activates UV and imaging subsystems only upon lid closure, reducing idle power draw and extending operational cycle life per charge.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EasyDetec series accommodates standard mini-gels (up to 10 × 10 cm), agarose and polyacrylamide electrophoresis trays, and pre-cast cassettes. It is compatible with common nucleic acid stains including ethidium bromide, SYBR Safe, GelRed, and GelGreen, as well as protein-compatible dyes such as Deep Purple and Krypton. While not certified to IEC 61010-1 for Class I laboratory equipment, the device conforms to GB 4706.1–2005 (Chinese national safety standard for electrical appliances) and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements for hazardous substance restriction. Its portable form factor and low-power architecture align with GLP-aligned documentation workflows where image timestamping, operator ID tagging (via optional app login), and local file integrity support audit-ready recordkeeping.

Software & Data Management

No desktop software installation is required. Device management and image export occur through the cross-platform INNOTEG GelLink mobile application (iOS v14+, Android 9.0+), which provides encrypted local transfer, batch renaming, basic contrast/brightness adjustment, and PNG export for publication-ready figures. All images retain original acquisition parameters and are stored in a write-once, read-many (WORM)-like directory structure to prevent accidental overwrites — supporting data integrity principles outlined in FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex A for electronic records in non-GMP research environments. Firmware updates are delivered OTA via the same Wi-Fi channel and include version-locked checksum validation.

Applications

• Routine gel documentation in undergraduate and graduate teaching labs where space, budget, and infrastructure flexibility are limiting factors.
• Field-deployable nucleic acid verification during environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, food authenticity testing, or plant pathogen screening.
• Point-of-care molecular assay validation in CLIA-waived or ISO 15189–aligned satellite labs lacking dedicated imaging suites.
• Quick-check verification of PCR product size and purity prior to sequencing or cloning — especially valuable in shared core facilities with high instrument turnover.
• Documentation of UV-sensitive samples (e.g., UV-crosslinked RNA-protein complexes) using 365 nm mode to minimize photodegradation.

FAQ

Is the UV output intensity calibrated or traceable to NIST standards?
No. The EasyDetec series is designed for qualitative and semi-quantitative visualization, not radiometric calibration. Users requiring quantitative densitometry should pair it with validated external imaging systems.
Can the device be used with SYBR Gold or other high-sensitivity dyes?
Yes — both 254 nm and 365 nm bands are compatible with SYBR Gold, though optimal sensitivity is achieved at 365 nm to reduce background and dye degradation.
Does the battery support hot-swapping or external power bank operation?
No. The sealed Li-ion battery is user-replaceable only with authorized service tools; external USB-C power input is not supported during operation to maintain electromagnetic compatibility and UV stability.
What image formats and metadata are embedded in exported files?
JPEG only; EXIF fields include DateTimeOriginal, ExposureTime, FNumber, ISOSpeedRatings, Model (EasyDetec-UVW), and UserComment (wavelength setting and firmware version).
Is the hood mechanically interlocked to disable UV emission when open?
Yes — a physical microswitch interrupts the UV circuit immediately upon hood opening, complying with IEC 62471 risk group classification for UV-A/UV-C sources.