PMA-Lite™ – The essential LED photolysis device for your high-precision v-PCR analyses
Biotium'sPMA-Lite™ LED photolysis device is an essential piece of laboratory equipment for researchers engaged in the rapid and reliable quantification of bacterial viability. Developed specifically to activate photoreactive dyes such as PMA, PMAxx™ or EMA, this device is a powerful and standardised solution for viability PCR (v-PCR) applications, enabling the DNA of living cells to be distinguished from that of dead cells with unrivalled accuracy.
This compact device is designed to accommodate up to 18 tubes of 1.5 to 2 mL, ensuring uniform illumination of each sample thanks to three LEDs positioned around each tube (two on the sides and one below). The light emitted in the 465 to 475 nm range is optimised for the effective photoactivation of azide dyes without producing harmful UV radiation. In addition, its integrated ventilation system maintains the operating temperature below 37°C, ensuring the integrity of heat-sensitive samples.
The activation of dyes such as PMA or PMAxx™ is based on their ability to bind covalently to the DNA of dead cells after exposure to intense light. Once bound to the DNA, these dyes block polymerisation during PCR, preventing any amplification of fragments from non-viable cells. PMA-Lite™ therefore allows clear differentiation between dead and living cells, particularly in complex matrices such as soil, faeces or mixed bacterial cultures.
The device is easy to use: illumination times can be set to 10, 15, 20 or 30 minutes via easily accessible switches. Once photolysis is complete, the device switches off automatically, preventing overexposure. For specific needs, several cycles can be run in succession. With no annual maintenance, long-lasting LEDs (up to 50,000 hours) and compatibility with international voltage standards, it is a robust, economical and adaptable tool for laboratories around the world.
The PMA-Lite™ LED Photolysis Device offers professionals in microbiology, environmental research and food safety a comprehensive, reliable and easy-to-integrate solution for improving their bacterial viability quantification protocols. Its efficiency, simplicity and ergonomic design make it an essential investment for any organisation wishing to standardise its v-PCR analyses.
