New Western Blot System Offers Multi-Format, Hands-Free Immunodetection
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Expanding upon the innovative first generation iBind Western System, Thermo Fisher Scientific has developed the new iBind Flex Western System for automated western blot processing. Based on proprietary sequential lateral flow (SLF), the latest platform is designed to enable a more versatile walk-away solution for the immunodetection step in a western blotting workflow.
Researchers now have the ability to adapt the iBind Flex Western Device to a variety of blot formats and sample throughput. Compatible with downstream chemiluminescent, colorimetric or fluorescent detection protocols and optimized for higher sensitivity and reproducibility, there is potential for a significant reduction in primary antibody required when compared to manual blot processing.
“We are thrilled to introduce the next generation iBind Flex device and consumables to address a latent need that affects a large segment of life science researchers worldwide who frequently perform western blotting,” said Kevin Lowitz, Senior Product Manager of Protein Biology for Thermo Fisher Scientific. “It’s a unique opportunity to develop a product that offers improved convenience and performance with the added benefit of being a cost-effective alternative to both fully automated platforms and traditional manual methods.”
iBind™ Flex Western System, credit Thermo Fisher Scientific
Experimental results can be achieved without the need for power, pumps or vacuums through the use of SLF technology, which is designed to automate the blocking, primary and secondary antibody binding, and washing steps for immunodetection of proteins transferred to a nitrocellulose or PVDF membrane. The sequential and uniform flow of solutions across a glass fiber matrix ensures a consistent antigen-antibody interaction to deliver robust protein detection.
“While genomics has garnered much of the attention from the scientific community, researchers will continue to rely on proteomics tools to better understand the biological impact proteins have on disease,” said Mark Stevenson, Executive Vice President for Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Western blotting is a proven, yet time-consuming and error-prone method for protein analysis. Through our continued commitment to innovating in this space, the iBind Flex Western System’s intuitive design automates immunodetection and enables researchers to achieve more reproducible results."
