▲ Top

LED Transilluminator for Gel Imaging
Safe, High-Contrast Fluorescence Excitation

UV-free LED transilluminator for gel observation, imaging and cutting

Mecan LED Transilluminators are a UV-free alternative for gel imaging, using high-intensity monochromatic LEDs to visualize fluorescent bands with reduced UV exposure and sample damage.

Available in 470 nm (SYBR Green, GelGreen, Midori Green) and 505 nm (EtBr, GelRed, SYBR Gold) excitation models, in 36W and 60W configurations. Suitable for imaging, teaching labs and gel cutting with a compatible filter and documentation hood.

UV-Free 470 nm / 505 nm DNA / RNA Fluorescence Gel Cutting Bio-Pyramid
Overview 36W Series 60W Series Selection Guide FAQ

36W High-Intensity LED Transilluminator Series

The 36W series is designed for routine gel imaging with high-intensity LED excitation and dark-field illumination. It is a practical choice for laboratories that need safe, clear and cost-effective fluorescence observation.

LED470-DF36W LED470-DF36W 470 nm LED transilluminator
470 nm Blue LED / 36W Dark-Field
Designed for blue-light excitation dyes such as SYBR Green, SYBR Safe, GelGreen, Midori Green and similar nucleic acid stains with excitation or absorption peaks around 450-490 nm.
LED505-DF36W LED505-DF36W 505 nm LED transilluminator
505 nm Green LED / 36W Dark-Field
Designed for longer-wavelength green-light excitation dyes such as EtBr, GelRed, SYBR Gold and related stains with excitation or absorption peaks around 490-510 nm.

60W Super High-Intensity LED Transilluminator Series

The 60W series uses direct illumination with chip-type LEDs positioned under the observation surface. This design provides strong excitation intensity for faint bands, high-sensitivity imaging and demanding fluorescence applications.

LED470-TR60W LED470-TR60W 470 nm high-intensity LED transilluminator
470 nm Blue LED / 60W Direct
High-output 470 nm excitation for weak fluorescence signals and high-sensitivity gel imaging with blue-light excitable nucleic acid stains such as SYBR Green, SYBR Safe, GelGreen and Midori Green.
LED505-TR60W LED505-TR60W 505 nm high-intensity LED transilluminator
505 nm Green LED / 60W Direct
High-output 505 nm excitation for EtBr, GelRed, SYBR Gold and other longer-wavelength fluorescence dyes where stronger excitation is preferred.

Why Choose an LED Transilluminator?

  • UV-free excitation helps reduce user exposure.
  • Gentler on DNA and RNA samples than UV illumination.
  • Useful for gel observation, imaging and gel cutting.
  • Long LED lifetime with low maintenance requirements.
  • High-intensity monochromatic LED excitation.
  • Suitable for many common fluorescence gel stains.
  • Clear visualization of faint fluorescent bands.
  • Works with gel documentation hoods and camera systems.

Selection Guide: 470 nm vs. 505 nm / 36W vs. 60W

Model Type Recommended Use Typical Stains / Applications
470 nm LED Blue-light excitation for common safe DNA gel stains. SYBR Green, SYBR Safe, GelGreen, Midori Green and similar blue-light excitable nucleic acid stains.
505 nm LED Green-light excitation for EtBr and red/orange fluorescence workflows. EtBr, GelRed, SYBR Gold, SYPRO Red, Flamingo, DsRed, YFP and related longer-wavelength fluorescent dyes or markers.
36W Series Routine gel observation, imaging and gel cutting. General laboratory use, teaching labs and standard documentation workflows.
60W Series High-sensitivity imaging when stronger excitation is required. Faint bands, high-contrast imaging and demanding fluorescence observation.
Need help selecting the best LED transilluminator?
Please tell us your gel stain, gel size, camera system, emission filter and imaging workflow.
We can recommend a suitable wavelength and model configuration.

Related Gel Documentation Resources

Bio-Pyramid MBP-03 digital camera gel documentation system

Bio-Pyramid System

Complete gel documentation hood for imaging and analysis.

View System
FITC fluorescence excitation and emission spectrum

Filter Selection Guide

Choose the correct emission filter for your stain.

View Guide
gel documentation

Sample Images

See real gel imaging results and fluorescence examples.

View Samples

FAQ - LED Transilluminator for Gel Imaging

Question Answer
Can LED transilluminators
replace UV transilluminators?		 For many fluorescent gel stains, yes. LED excitation is especially useful when UV-free observation, safer gel cutting and reduced sample damage are preferred. However, compatibility depends on the stain and filter combination.
Which model should I choose
for SYBR Green or GelGreen?		 470 nm models are generally suitable for SYBR Green, SYBR Safe, GelGreen, Midori Green and similar blue-light excitable nucleic acid stains.
Which model should I choose
for EtBr or GelRed?		 505 nm models are generally suitable for EtBr, GelRed, SYBR Gold and other longer-wavelength stains that respond well to green-light excitation around 490-510 nm.
Do I need an emission filter? Yes, an appropriate emission filter is usually required for clear fluorescence imaging. The best filter depends on the stain, excitation wavelength and camera system.
📬 Inquiry 🛒 Order