Junyi JY02 UV Transilluminator

Overview

The Junyi JY02 UV Transilluminator is a benchtop instrument engineered for reliable visualization and precise excision of nucleic acid bands following agarose or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It operates on the principle of ultraviolet-induced fluorescence: when ethidium bromide (EtBr), SYBR® Safe, GelRed®, or other DNA-intercalating dyes are incorporated into the gel matrix, they absorb 302 nm UV radiation and re-emit visible orange-red light, enabling clear band detection under controlled illumination. Designed for routine molecular biology workflows—including genotyping, PCR product verification, restriction digestion analysis, and plasmid screening—the JY02 delivers consistent irradiance across its 200 × 150 mm active transillumination area, minimizing spatial intensity gradients that could compromise band resolution or quantitative interpretation.

Key Features

• Benchtop form factor with compact footprint (325 × 265 × 150 mm) and lightweight construction (4.6 kg), facilitating integration into crowded laboratory benches or mobile core facility carts.
• Single-wavelength 302 nm UV source generated by quartz UV lamp tubes—selected for optimal excitation efficiency of common nucleic acid stains while balancing photodamage mitigation and signal-to-noise ratio.
• Optically matched 200 × 150 mm UV-transmission filter glass ensures uniform spectral cutoff and minimal stray light leakage, critical for reproducible band contrast and operator safety.
• Adjustable-angle, high-transparency UV-blocking acrylic safety shield provides full-face protection against direct UV exposure while permitting unobstructed viewing and manual gel manipulation—including scalpel-based excision—without compromising ergonomics.
• Robust electrical architecture with stable 80 W total power draw and thermally managed 8 W UV lamp operation, supporting extended use during multi-gel screening sessions without thermal drift or output degradation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The JY02 accommodates standard horizontal electrophoresis gels cast in 10–20 cm wide trays, including mini-gels (e.g., 7 × 8 cm) and mid-size formats (e.g., 15 × 15 cm), with sufficient lateral margin to prevent edge quenching. It supports all conventional UV-excitable nucleic acid stains compliant with ISO 15190:2020 (Laboratory medicine — Requirements for safety in medical laboratories) and CLSI EP25-A guidelines for stain selection and handling. While not certified to IEC 61010-1:2012 for Class II laser products (as it contains no laser source), its design adheres to general UV radiation safety principles outlined in ACGIH TLV® documentation and aligns with institutional biosafety office requirements for Class I UV equipment used in non-clinical research settings.

Software & Data Management

The JY02 is a hardware-only transillumination platform with no embedded microcontroller, firmware, or digital interface. As such, it does not generate electronic records, require software drivers, or support data export protocols. This analog architecture eliminates validation overhead associated with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records—making it suitable for GLP-compliant environments where documentation is maintained manually via lab notebooks, annotated gel images captured externally (e.g., with DSLR or dedicated gel documentation systems), and standardized SOPs for band excision and downstream processing.

Applications

• Visualization and qualitative assessment of DNA/RNA fragments resolved by agarose or native PAGE.
• Targeted excision of discrete bands for gel purification prior to cloning, sequencing, or enzymatic modification.
• Verification of restriction digest completeness, PCR amplification specificity, and ligation efficiency.
• Teaching laboratory use in undergraduate molecular biology courses, where simplicity, durability, and low maintenance are prioritized.
• Preparative workflow staging in NGS library QC, where rapid visual confirmation precedes fluorometric quantification or bioanalyzer analysis.

FAQ

Is the JY02 compatible with SYBR® Gold or GelGreen® stains?
Yes—the 302 nm emission peak aligns closely with the excitation maxima of these dyes, though optimal sensitivity may require minor exposure time adjustment relative to EtBr.
Can the unit be operated without the safety shield?
No—removal or disengagement of the UV-blocking shield violates occupational safety protocols and voids operational authorization per institutional biosafety policies.
Does the JY02 include a camera or imaging module?
No—it is a dedicated transillumination source only; external imaging systems must be used for documentation.
What is the expected lifetime of the quartz UV lamp tubes?
Rated for ≥1,000 hours of cumulative operation under standard duty cycles; output intensity declines gradually and predictably over time, with recommended replacement after 800–1,000 hours or upon observable reduction in band brightness.
Is the filter glass replaceable if scratched or degraded?
Yes—Junyi supplies OEM-spec UV-transmission filter glass (part number JY-FIL-302) for field replacement without recalibration or service intervention.