| MArS microarray scanner for DNA and protein biochips
Key Features
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Ideal for imaging both DNA and protein microarrays
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Scans up to four slides simultaneously to save valuable lab time
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One wavelength per scan for lowest crosstalk
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Small footprint (39.5 cm x 30.5 cm x 59.5 cm)
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Highly flexible protocol development for research applications
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Two Peltier-cooled solid state, long-life lasers for enhanced signal stability
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Software-controlled motorized filter wheel with space for up to seven emission filters
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Automatic motorized focus adjustment before each scan
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10 µm to 100 µm adjustable pixel resolution with sensitivity of 0.1 fluorescence equivalents/µm².
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TIFF image file format so files can be read by other microarray analysis software
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1D or 2D barcode reading capability
The MArS microarray scanner offers superb quality scanning at an affordable price. The scanner has been designed to scan both DNA and protein arrays on standard glass or plastic slides and is ideal for both research and routine diagnostic applications. Slide reading area is 23 x 76 mm (min. slide width of 24.9 mm and max. of 25.4 mm and slide length of 75-76 mm). Two Peltier-cooled solid state lasers are included as standard and emit at 532 and 635 nm for Cy3, Cy5 and other fluorescent dyes excited at these wavelengths.
The MArS scanner can be force-free loaded with up to four slides and scans them simultaneously to save valuable time. The unit is fitted with a motorized filter wheel that can hold up to seven emission filters and comes standard with 570 nm and 670 nm filters as well as a gray filter for barcode reading. Other emission filters are available. The unit utilizes a 16 bit low noise, highly sensitive photomultiplier (PMT) detection system for low signal to noise ratios that is linear over a greater than four dynamic range. The unit also features Quantum Efficiency-independent PMT-gain control and two data channels for up to 20-bit dynamics in one run.
Software
The MArS scanner is connected to a computer through a USB interface. The MArS control software features:
- Highly flexible and intuitive scan protocols
- Powerful image viewer
- "One-click" operation for routine applications based on pre-defined scan protocols that can be optionally triggered by slide barcode (1D or 2D).
The unit is supplied with the SpotScout Pro array analysis software for the automatic quantification and evaluation of a wide range of biochip formats. The software incorporates powerful algorithms for automatic grid finding and is ideal for reliable and efficient quality control through functions such as spot position evaluation, artifact detection and saturation checks. SpotScout Pro also provides documentation of each evaluation step and comprehensive results reporting. All GAL files can be imported into the software.
MArS Verification Kit
The MArS verification kit allows an end-user to routinely check that their scanner is performing optimally for quality control purposes. The kit consists of the Verification Wizard software, two verification slides and a motorized lens cleaning tool. The two slides (the geometric and verification slide) are barcoded and are tracked by the software.
The following functions are verified when running the kit:
- Gain
- Focus
- Slot geometry
- red-green alignment
- Autofluorescence
- Background
- Laser and electronic noise
Any corrective actions that are required will be automatically executed and a complete Verification Report will be generated as a PDF file.
More Information
Want to evaluate the MArS microarray scanner's
ability to scan and analyze your slides? Contact Discovery for details of this free service or for pricing on the MArS microarray scanner and verification kit.
In addition to the MArS microarray scanner Discovery also offers microarray printers and hybridization systems. Please click here to view our complete range of microarray printers and here for our 4 and 12 slide hybridization systems.
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