Quick and Easy Method for Western Blot Transfers

University of Wisconsin
Medical Physics
Postdoctoral Fellow

Overall

Performance

Ease-of-Optimization

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Company:

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Product Name:

iBlot 2 Gel Transfer Device

Catalog Number:

IB21001

We are constantly running Western blots in our lab, so we wanted a fast and simple method for transferring protein from the gel to nitrocellulose membranes. We chose this product because of the positive feedback we heard from other labs.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

Western Blotting

Starting Material

Gel with protein, iBlot 2 regular nitrocellulose stacks (ThermoFisher Scientific Product IB23001)

Protocol Overview

This protocol begins after you have run the protein and your gel is ready for transfer. First, unseal the transfer stack and discard the white separator (be careful not to accidentally discard the membrane). Next, place the plastic tray with the bottom stack in the machine with the electrical contacts touching. Wet the gel and place it on top of the nitrocellulose membrane. Use deionized water to pre-soak the iBlot Filter paper and place on gel. Next, use the provided roller to ensure there are no bubbles in the gel. Place the top stack over the pre-soaked filter paper and apply the roller again. Lastly, place the absorbent pad on top of the stack and close the lid. Select a transfer protocol. We have always used Protocol #0, which is a 7 minute transfer with 1 minute at 20 V, 4 minute at 23 V, and 2 minute at 25 V. Press start run and wait for the transfer to complete. After complete, open the lid and discard everything except for the membrane, which now contains your protein.

Tips

You can make personalized protocols by clicking edit protocols.

Results Summary

The membranes have always worked with this machine. We have never experienced any problems with the machine. The 7 minute transfer process is quick and the nitrocellulose membrane kits make the process simple.

Features Summary

The instrument saves a great deal of time. While the membrane kits are expensive (~$13 per membrane), it is well worth it.

Additional Notes

None

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Summary

The Good

Quick, simple, reliable

The Bad

Cost remains high

The Bottom Line

I highly recommend the iBolt 2 Dry Blotting System for simplying the Western blot process.

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