The iBind™ Western System: Reliable and reproducible Western blot automation
The iBind™ Western System developed by Thermo Scientific represents a major advance in the field of protein detection by Western blot. Intended exclusively for research use, this benchtop system uses a unique technology called Sequential Lateral Flow (SLF) to fully automate the critical steps of blocking,incubation with primary and secondary antibodies, and washing. This technology relies on mechanical pressure generated by the iBind™ device on a dedicated iBind™ card, ensuring controlled and homogeneous flow of reagents without the need for an external power source, pumps or tubes, making the system simple, robust and economical to use.
The system is intuitive to use. Once the transfer membrane has been placed on the iBind™ card and rolled correctly to ensure good contact, the user simply adds the antibody and wash solutions to the dedicated wells. The device then automatically manages the impregnation sequence. In just 2.5 hours, the entire incubation protocol is completed, significantly reducing handling time and eliminating human errors associated with manual protocols.
The system is compatible with conjugated antibodies, chemiluminescence or fluorescence detection methods, and multiplex protocols. It can efficiently process membranes up to 9 cm x 9 cm. It is also possible to re-coat membranes after stripping, making it ideal for studies where the detection of multiple proteins on the same membrane is required.
The modular and robust design of the iBind™ Western Device, combined with accessories such as the iBind™ card, marking roller and window cover (useful in fluorescent detection), ensures a long service life and safe use. Maintenance is minimal: simply rinse with water after each use, and it is recommended to keep the lid open to preserve the internal springs.
In terms of performance, the iBind™ system has been optimised to offer excellent sensitivity while minimising background signals. Optimisation guides are available to adjust the antibody concentration according to the specific requirements of each experiment. Its compatibility with a wide range of Thermo Scientific reagents, such as the iBind™ Solution and FD Solution kits, makes it a centralised solution that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows.
The iBind™ Western System is an essential tool for research laboratories seeking to automate and standardise their Western blot procedures. It combines simplicity, efficiency, time savings and reproducibility, while reducing user exposure to repetitive handling.
