Western blotting is a fundamental technique for protein analysis used to detect and analyze specific proteins within complex biological samples. The successful execution of western blotting relies heavily on using reliable and efficient western blotting reagents and equipment. Biocompare's team of expert product reviewers has tested and evaluated various Western blotting systems, and here we highlight some of the best western blotters on the market based on their ratings. Keep reading to see what researchers across the globe have to say about the features and benefits of both wet and semi-dry western blotters, focusing on their various capabilities, features, pros and cons, and more.
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Whether you are a novice researcher or a seasoned professional, this article will provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions when choosing the right western blotting equipment for your needs.
Bio-Rad
Trans-Blot Turbo™ Transfer System
Niroj Shrestha, a post doctoral researcher at the Medical University of Graz, reviewed Bio-Rad's Trans-Blot Turbo Transfer System for transferring proteins from gel to membrane. He successfully transferred proteins from HEK293 cell lysate using the system and detected immunoreactive bands with specific antibodies. Niroj cautions using enough transfer buffer to prevent membrane drying and notes that the system is more expensive than traditional methods. Overall, he says the Trans-Blot Turbo Transfer System transfers proteins rapidly and efficiently with less transfer buffer and time.
Criterion™ Blotter With Wire Electrodes & PowerPac™ HC Power Supply
Northwestern University Research Associate Danijela Maric reviewed Bio-Rad's Criterion™ Blotter With Wire Electrodes and PowerPac™ HC Power Supply and stated they used the western blotting system for protein targeting in specific cellular domains. Specifically, they aim to understand how different protein modifications influence protein localization in lipid compartments using cell lysates from Trypanosoma cruzi cells. The lysates were loaded on a 12% gel and run on the blotter at 100 volts for 30 minutes or until the dye front reached the bottom of the gel, with a tip to use a higher voltage for the first couple of minutes to help lysates enter the well. Danijela observed proteins of various sizes with no artifacts and straight gel runs. They appreciated the ability to change voltage throughout the experiment and consistently achieved good results but noted that the device had many parts. Ultimately, they highly recommend the product and never had a problem running a protein gel on this system.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Invitrogen Power Blotter System
Dr. Thippeswamy Sannasiddappa, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham, recommends the Invitrogen Power Blotter System from Thermo Fisher Scientific to efficiently transfer separated proteins onto nitrocellulose or PVDF membranes during western blotting experiments. The Power Blotter is a rapid semi-dry power blotter that can transfer proteins from two mini gels simultaneously, taking less than 10 minutes for efficient transfer. The equipment is flexible, versatile, and easy to work with, making it an ideal choice for protein biochemistry labs that perform numerous western blot experiments. The touchscreen display allows for easy setup of the transfer protocol, and the fast transfer of proteins from gels onto membranes makes this equipment highly desirable for protein detection and characterization.
XCell II™ Blot Module
Wei Xu, a graduate student at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, reviewed Thermo Fisher Scientific's XCell II™ Blot Module for their lab's western blot analysis. The lab studies mTOR signaling in T cell differentiation and function and uses this blot module to transfer proteins onto membranes. Wei Xu noted that the chamber is easy to use for SDS-PAGE and can perform two transfers of gels within the same chamber. However, the chambers can crack easily if not handled with care. The recommended application is to run a standard SDS-PAGE gel, open the precast gel, prepare a transfer solution, remove the gel, push against the membrane along with filters, place it in the module, and ensure a tight seal with enough buffer to run. Wei recommends this easy-to-use blot module for western transfers of SDS-PAGE gels.
iBlot 2 Gel Transfer Device
Christopher England, a post doctoral fellow at the University of Wisconsin, shared a positive experience with Thermo Fisher Scientific's iBlot 2 Gel Transfer Device. Their lab chose this product due to the positive feedback from other labs and because they wanted a quick and simple method for transferring protein from the gel to nitrocellulose membranes during western blotting. The protocol is straightforward and involves wetting the gel, placing it on top of the nitrocellulose membrane, pre-soaking the iBlot filter paper, using a roller to eliminate bubbles, and selecting a transfer protocol. They have always used Protocol #0, which is a 7-minute transfer, and have never experienced any problems with the machine. While the membrane kits are expensive (~$13 per membrane), Christopher found the iBolt 2 Dry Blotting System to be quick, simple, reliable, and well worth the expense.
Table 1: Western Blotters Review Summary
In Conclusion
Selecting the right western blotting equipment is crucial to achieve accurate and reliable results in protein analysis. Biocompare's product reviewers have tested and evaluated various western blotting systems, including the various features, benefits, and limitations of some devices. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned researcher, these insights will help you make informed decisions when choosing the right Western blotting equipment for your needs.
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