TLC Visualizer 2, CAMAG

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TLC Visualizer 2

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Professional imaging and documentation system for TLC/HPTLC chromatograms and other planar objects with a state-of-the-art digital CCD camera, connected by USB 3.0

The visual presentation of the complete chromatogram showing all samples and standards side by side is one of the most convincing arguments for (High-Performance) Thin-Layer Chromatography. No other chromatographic technique can directly express the result as a color image and make it available for visual evaluation.
To reproducibly acquire and preserve best quality images of TLC/HPTLC chromatograms under different illuminations this high-end imaging and documentation system is available. With its digital CCD camera a maximum resolution of 82 μm on the plate is obtained.
For electronic image acquisition the camera – like the human eye – captures polychromatic visible light. Under white light illumination it is the light reflected from the layer background. Under long-wavelength UV light (366 nm) it is the light emitted by fluorescent substances. When short-wavelength UV light (254 nm) is used, substances absorbing UV 254 appear as dark zones, provided the layer contains a fluorescence indicator (fluorescence quenching).

Key features
• Reproducible high-quality images acquired under homogeneous illumination with the selected light
• Easy and intuitive operation with visionCATS
• High-dynamic-range imaging (HDRI)
• Side by side comparison of tracks originating from the same or different plates and/or different illumination modes
• Various image enhancement tools, e.g. Spot Amplification (“Spot Amp”), Clean Plate Correction and Exposure Normalization
• Image-based profile generation from reference and sample tracks, and subsequent peak integration and calibration
• Digital CCD camera with a maximum resolution of 82 μm on the plate
• USB 3.0 for easy PC connection
• Meets all requirements to be used in a cGMP/cGLP environment
• IQ/OQ qualification and 21 CFR Part 11 ready

CAMAG TLC Visualizer 2 operated under visionCATS
visionCATS organizes the workflow of TLC/HPTLC, controls the involved CAMAG instruments, and manages data. Professional image acquisition and documentation of TLC/HPTLC chromatograms ensuring highest reproducibility is the major purpose of the CAMAG TLC Visualizer 2.
For the evaluation of acquired images sophisticated enhancement tools and also functions for annotation and determination of position (RF) are required. This is where visionCATS comes into play and virtually unleashes the power of TLC/HPTLC. visionCATS features a powerful database at its heart, enabling an all new sample-based approach. The state-of-the-art software supports low-noise, high-dynamic-range imaging (HDRI) and includes a comprehensive set of image enhancement tools. With the “Comparison Viewer”, tracks originating from the same or different plates and/or different illumination modes can be compared on the same screen side by side which allows the creation of „virtual plates“. Detailed on-screen instructions effectively guide the user through the image acquisition process.

The “Data View” allows for visual evaluation of a plate in different illumination modes and offers broad range of helpful tools, e.g. a RF tool displays the RF value of zones on the digital image or a rectangular zoom function.

"Comparison Viewer": Selected tracks of images taken from different plates under UV 254 nm, white light and UV 366 nm can be displayed side by side.

Image Enhancement
The image enhancement tools featured in visionCATS exploit the full potential of the CAMAG TLC Visualizer 2. Images are automatically captured based on an optimized control of the illumination and parameters specified in the TLC/HPTLC method. Sophisticated algorithms guarantee the highest image quality for identification of even the weakest zones.
HDRI is a technique used to reproduce a greater dynamic range of luminance levels. Multiple standard-dynamic range images are taken at different exposures to capture details in shadows or highlights, and are merged into a single HDR image. For HDR images under UV 366 nm a set of dedicated enhancement tools is available. „Exposure Normalization” allows the retreatment of the image by normalizing the exposure: the gain is adjusted to an equivalent of 85% detector response based on a selected area (reference track by default). The tool is used to allow visual comparison of images from different plates with virtually the same exposure settings. The „Clarify“ tool virtually changes the illumination setting after capturing and makes very faint zones visible on an unchanged background.
Localization of even the smallest fractions on the plate with the „Spot Amp” tool which allows increasing or decreasing the contrast of the image. With „Clean Plate Correction“ an image taken of a neat plate prior to sample application can be subtracted from the image of the developed plate. Thus irregularities of the TLC/HPTLC plate, particularly the structure of the fluorescence indicator, or small variations in layer thickness seen in transmission mode, are efficiently eliminated. The “Clean Plate Correction” is significantly improved due to the increased resolution of the CCD camera in the CAMAG TLC Visualizer 2.

“Exposure Normalization” for visualization of weak zones (right) and original image (left)

“Clean Plate Correction” : the corrected image (right) is of superb quality. Due to reduced noise, weaker zones become detectable.
Comparison Viewer
The “Comparison Viewer” allows easy side by side comparison of tracks from different TLC/HPTLC plates and different detection modes on the same screen:
• Simultaneous display of reference and sample tracks from different plates
• Creation of virtual plates from tracks originating from the same and/or different plates and/or detection modes
• Automatic transfer of all track information from an analysis to the “Comparison Viewer”, e.g. plate state (clean, developed, derivatized), wavelengths, RF value, and display settings
• ”Comparison Viewer” report including sample details, track information and reference details
• “Comparison Viewer” files can be exported and transferred to a different visionCATS installation
• Traceability of all generated data to the original analysis

“Comparison Viewer”: create virtual plates from tracks originating from different plates and detection modes

Image-based evaluation
visionCATS software enables an image-based evaluation of chromatograms obtained with the CAMAG TLC Visualizer 2.
• Conversion of images TLC/HPTLC chromatograms into analogue curves based on absorption or fluorescence of separated zones
• Integration of chromatograms resulting in semi-quantitative peak data (area and/or height)

Profile Comparison
• Display of individual chromatograms
• Position of peaks (RF value / migration distance) can be determined
• Comparison of chromatograms from the same or different plate / image

Evaluation
• Intuitive data management
• Several calibration modes (e.g. single level, multi-level, related substances)
• Re-evaluation of data at any time

3D image profile

Substance assignment

Product specification

Model	CAMAG TLC VISUALIZER 2
Dimensions and weight	Width: 480 mm, depth: 537 mm, height: 596 mm
	Net weight: 17.0 kg
Object size supported	With 12 mm lens: up to 20 x 20 cm
	With 16 mm lens: up to 20 x 10 cm
Light sources	2 x UV tube short wavelength (254 nm) - direct light
	2 x UV tube long wavelength (366 nm) - direct light
	2 x white light tube - direct light (remission)
	2 x white light tube - transmitted light (transmission)
Camera type	Digital CCD camera, sensor „SONY Super HAD CCD“, HDR
Camera exposure time	2.3 ms to 10 s, up to 60 s for HDRI, min. step size 1 μs
Connection	USB 3.0 and RS232
Mains voltage	100 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz, 50 W
Software for instrument	visionCATS (2.3 or higher) on MS Windows 7 and
control	Windows 10