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Li-Cor Odyssey M Imaging System: Leading the Way in Precision and Convenience for Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging

Li-Cor Biosciences is a leading global manufacturer of imaging instruments for the life sciences, and its Odyssey series is renowned for its exceptional performance and reliability. The Odyssey M model, launched in 2022, is the latest addition to this series. It integrates state-of-the-art optical technology, an intelligent workflow, and powerful data analysis software, setting a new standard for the precise quantitative analysis of various samples, including Western blots, gels, microplates, and tissue sections.

I. Core Technical Advantages: The Excellence of Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging

The core advantage of the Odyssey M system is built upon near-infrared fluorescence detection technology. Compared to traditional chemiluminescence or visible fluorescence techniques, NIR imaging offers the following unparalleled benefits:

1. Exceptionally Low Background: Biological samples (such as membranes, gels, and tissues) have very low autofluorescence in the near-infrared spectrum. This results in an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio, enabling easy detection of very low-abundance target molecules.

2. Wide Linear Dynamic Range: The system provides a linear dynamic range of over 5 orders of magnitude. This ensures precise quantification of both high and low abundance proteins in a single scan without the need for multiple exposures or concerns about signal saturation.

3. Excellent Multiplexing Capability: The system is equipped with two independent laser channels (680 nm and 800 nm) and highly sensitive avalanche photodiode detectors. It can simultaneously detect two different target proteins on the same membrane. Dual-color imaging not only conserves precious samples but also enables protein co-localization studies and reliable internal control normalization, making results more robust.

II. Innovations and Upgrades of the Odyssey M Model

As a new generation product, the Odyssey M features significant hardware and software upgrades designed to enhance the user experience and data output efficiency.

• Intelligent Imaging Door: Features an automatic, electrically operated door that eliminates vibrations caused by manual operation, ensuring precise and repeatable imaging positioning. This is particularly beneficial for long-term in vivo imaging experiments.

• Touchscreen Interface: An intuitive touchscreen is integrated directly onto the instrument. Users can quickly perform instrument initialization, routine calibration, and basic imaging operations without needing a computer, significantly improving workflow efficiency.

• Enhanced Imaging Capabilities: Further optimizations in laser power and detection sensitivity enable detection of protein levels as low as the low femtogram range. Scanning is faster, and the system supports a large scanning area of up to 21 cm x 24 cm to meet high-throughput needs.

• Integrated Computer and Software (Standard for 2022 version): The system comes pre-installed with a high-performance PC and the latest Image Studio™ software. This user-friendly yet powerful software provides automated spot recognition, band analysis, and quantification features. It also supports microplate and tissue section profile analysis, streamlining the entire process from data acquisition to export and report generation with a single click.

III. Broad Application Scenarios

The Odyssey M system is a versatile platform whose applications cover several core areas of life science research:

• Western Blotting: This is its most classic application, providing stable, reproducible quantitative results. It is increasingly becoming the gold standard, replacing traditional chemiluminescence methods.

• Gel Staining Detection: Used for rapid staining of SDS-PAGE gels, with sensitivity far exceeding that of Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining.

• Microplate Assays: Suitable for ELISA, protein interaction studies, and other microplate-based assays.

• Small Animal In Vivo Imaging: Leveraging the strong tissue penetration of near-infrared light, it can be used to track diseases like tumors and inflammation in small animal models.

• In Situ Detection on Tissue Sections: Allows for the localization and semi-quantification of specific antigens in tissue sections.

IV. Summary

In conclusion, the Li-Cor Odyssey M Imaging System (Manufactured May 2022) represents the cutting edge of current near-infrared fluorescence imaging technology. It is more than just an instrument; it is a complete solution. It perfectly combines high performance and sensitivity in hardware with intelligence and convenience in software, providing researchers with a seamless experience from sample scanning to data analysis. Whether used for basic molecular biology research, drug discovery, or clinical diagnostics applications, the Odyssey M is a powerful tool that helps researchers obtain reliable and precise data, thereby accelerating scientific discovery.