Owl™ VEP-3 Electroblotting System
The Owl™ VEP-3 Electroblotting System is a high-performance laboratory tool designed to optimize protein transfer from polyacrylamide gels. Specifically engineered for high molecular weight proteins (greater than 150 kDa) and capable of handling multiple mini-gels simultaneously, this system offers an ideal solution for laboratories requiring uniform, reproducible, and highly reliable protein transfers.
This system is particularly valued in the fields of biological and biochemical research, where protein integrity and transfer precision play a critical role. Protein transfers are essential in many applications, such as Western blotting, where proteins are separated by electrophoresis and then transferred to a membrane for subsequent detection. In this context, the Owl™ VEP-3 stands out due to its ability to deliver consistent, high-quality results, even when transferring complex or large proteins.
One of the key advantages of the VEP-3 lies in its capacity to accommodate large gels, up to 20 x 18.5 cm. This makes it an excellent choice for researchers needing to perform large blots or handle multiple samples simultaneously. With this large capacity, the system optimizes the time spent on experiments, reducing the need for multiple transfers and increasing overall laboratory efficiency.
The tank design of this system ensures uniform transfer across the entire surface of the gel. This is critical for obtaining reproducible results, especially in experiments that require a high degree of precision. Transfer inconsistencies, often caused by less efficient systems, can compromise experimental results, particularly when dealing with high molecular weight proteins.
Another key feature of the VEP-3's efficiency is its removable cooling block. This component plays a fundamental role in the thermal management of the system during the electroblotting process. Protein transfer often involves the application of high electric currents, which generates heat. If this heat is not dissipated effectively, it can cause protein degradation, especially for high molecular weight proteins, which are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
The VEP-3’s cooling block allows for optimal heat transfer, preventing overheating and ensuring that proteins do not degrade during the process. This effective heat management is especially important during long transfers, which can last between 60 and 120 minutes depending on the size and complexity of the samples. Temperature control also ensures consistent results, even for the most demanding experiments.
The VEP-3 is equipped with coded transfer cassettes, an essential feature that ensures correct electrode orientation, thereby avoiding polarity errors often encountered in other systems. This coding ensures that the anode and cathode are always positioned correctly, minimizing human errors during setup.
The cassettes are also designed for ease of handling. They load quickly and securely into the buffer chamber, creating a stable and safe environment for the gel sandwich. This ease of use saves time and reduces handling, which is particularly advantageous in high-throughput laboratories where every minute counts. Additionally, the cassettes lock firmly in place, ensuring that gels remain securely positioned throughout the transfer, reducing the risk of movement or loss of contact, problems that could lead to incorrect results.
The VEP-3 system is designed to offer great versatility. Its buffer chamber can hold up to 4 liters of buffer, ensuring that gels are fully submerged, which is essential for an effective electroblotting transfer. Sufficient buffer volume allows for a constant flow of electrical current through the gel, ensuring that proteins migrate correctly toward the membrane.
The Owl™ VEP-3 Electroblotting System is an essential tool for laboratories that demand precise, efficient, and reproducible protein transfers. It stands out for its ability to handle large gels, its integrated cooling system, its coded cassettes, and its versatility in handling complex and large proteins. With features specifically designed to facilitate the transfer of high molecular weight proteins, this system guarantees consistent results, even in the most demanding conditions. It is an optimal solution for researchers seeking increased reliability in their protein transfer experiments.