Fast and reliable dry transfer system for Western blotting iBlot 2
The iBlot™ 2 Dry Blotting System from Thermo Scientific is designed to meet the needs of molecular biologists looking for a fast, efficient and reproducible protein transfer system. Unlike traditional Western blot methods that require buffers, chambers and long wet or semi-wet transfer times, the iBlot™ 2 system works on the principle of dry electrophoretic transfer, eliminating complexity and potential sources of error.
The central unit, the iBlot™ 2 Gel Transfer Device, integrates a power supply and a user-friendly touchscreen that allows transfers to be initiated with just a few touches. Six pre-programmed methods are available to accommodate various gel types and protein sizes to be transferred. Users can also create and save custom methods for specific applications.
The technological heart of the system lies in the iBlot™ 2 Transfer Stacks, disposable consumables available in Mini or Standard versions, with integrated nitrocellulose or PVDF membranes. These stacks contain copper electrodes, gelified buffers that serve as ion reservoirs, and ready-to-use membranes. The unique configuration of these stacks, combined with the short distance between the electrodes and the power of the device, allows a high electric field to be achieved, promoting fast and homogeneous protein transfer.
The system is compatible with a wide range of gels (Bolt™, NuPAGE™, Tris-Acetate, Tris-Glycine, Tricine, E-PAGE™) in mini or midi formats. Transfer typically takes 7 to 8 minutes, with no need for prepared buffers or pre-moistened filter paper. Simply stack the components in the correct order, close the lid, and you're ready to go. The supplied blotting roller makes it easy to remove air bubbles between layers, ensuring optimal contact.
The iBlot™ 2 system also improves safety and traceability: users can monitor voltages, currents and times via a USB port, transfer logs in .csv format and update the firmware if necessary. An integrated tutorial interface guides new users through the steps of the process.
In terms of performance, tests show that the iBlot™ 2 offers protein recovery and strip quality equivalent to or better than traditional systems. It also minimises distortions caused by oxygen generation thanks to its copper electrodes.
This system is particularly suited to academic and industrial research environments that require speed, ease of use and reliability.
