Fast and Easy Transfer

May 03, 2016

Grambling State University
Biological Sciences
Assistant Professor

Overall

Performance

Ease-of-Optimization

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Company:

Bio-Rad

Product Name:

Trans-Blot Turbo Transfer System

Catalog Number:

1704155

Western blotting is one of the most commonly used techniques in our research group. Our traditional wet tank transfer systems require nearly two hours for setup, run, and clean up. I got this semi-dry transfer system as part of Bio-Rad's western workflow system and now the transfer process takes less than five minutes with very good results. This system is highly recommended.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

Western blot detection

Starting Material

None

Protocol Overview

The gel is stacked with the prepackaged membrane and filter paper to form a sandwich. The sandwich is placed in one of the two transfer cassettes. The unit has preset transfer methods or you can create methods. The unit is very easy to use particularly when using the prepackaged membrane/filter paper/buffer transfer pack.

Tips

You can save money over the prepackaged transfer packs by purchasing ready to assemble transfer packs that add about 5 minutes of work.

Results Summary

Depending on the molecular weight (MW) range of the proteins of interest, the preset methods run for five to ten minutes. I selected a mini-gel mixed MW method that runs three minutes. The MW markers transferred to the membrane with a tiny amount still on the gel. There was no observable blow-through of markers through the membrane. Transfer was verified by detection of total protein in the gel before and after transfer using a stain-free gel and imager. The membrane produced good results when used for immunodetection.

Features Summary

Can run up to four minigels or two midigels simultaneously using the two bays

Additional Notes

None

Image Gallery

Summary

The Good

Super convenient

The Bad

Requires prepackaged transfer packs to take full advantage of convenience

The Bottom Line

This is a great product. Using the prepackaged transfer packs, a satisfactory transfer can be completed in a few minutes. It is of course more expensive than a traditional wet tank transfer. Considering not only the speed but how much general hassle you avoid in buffer preparation, membrane and filter paper preparation, material equilibration, equipment washing, etc., I believe this workflow is well worth it. Unless you have a special reason for running wet tank like highly optimized buffer and run conditions, this is the way to go.

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