Versatile and Convenient Blotting
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Thermo Fisher Scientific has recently developed the iBind Flex Western System for automated western blot processing.
To learn about some of the new features of the system, and the benefits it can offer over manual blotting, we spoke to Kevin Lowitz, Senior Product Manager, Protein Biology at Thermo Fisher Scientific.
AB: How does the new system expand upon the first generation iBind Western System?
Kevin Lowitz (KL): While the first generation iBind Western Device is compatible with a single mini blot, the unique design of the iBind Flex Western Device includes user interchangeable well inserts to offer a more versatile platform with increased sample throughput and blot formats, including midi, mini and vertically cut strips which enables a broad range of applications.
AB: Can you explain how sequential lateral flow technology (SLF) works?
KL: Sequential Lateral Flow (SLF) allows the timely release and flow of solutions and antibodies to the membrane without need of an external power source. Each solution is released from iBind Flex wells to an iBind Flex Card via SLF. The glass fiber matrix of the card allows for homogenous and consistent flow of the solutions to the membrane, increasing the antigen-antibody interaction.
AB: What benefits does the iBind System offer over manual blotting?
KL: Based on our proprietary SLF technology both the iBind and iBind Flex Western Systems automate the immunodetection steps in a western workflow to deliver hands-free convenience with more reproducible results and requiring less primary antibody when compared to manual blot processing methods.
AB: What impact has iBind had on researchers' workflow?
KL: The iBind and iBind Flex Western Systems delivers value to researchers by significantly reducing hands-on & total time, blot-to-blot variability and primary antibody consumption during immunodetection which presents an affordable alternative to more expensive automated platforms for western blotting.
To learn about some of the new features of the system, and the benefits it can offer over manual blotting, we spoke to Kevin Lowitz, Senior Product Manager, Protein Biology at Thermo Fisher Scientific.
AB: How does the new system expand upon the first generation iBind Western System?
Kevin Lowitz (KL): While the first generation iBind Western Device is compatible with a single mini blot, the unique design of the iBind Flex Western Device includes user interchangeable well inserts to offer a more versatile platform with increased sample throughput and blot formats, including midi, mini and vertically cut strips which enables a broad range of applications.
AB: Can you explain how sequential lateral flow technology (SLF) works?
KL: Sequential Lateral Flow (SLF) allows the timely release and flow of solutions and antibodies to the membrane without need of an external power source. Each solution is released from iBind Flex wells to an iBind Flex Card via SLF. The glass fiber matrix of the card allows for homogenous and consistent flow of the solutions to the membrane, increasing the antigen-antibody interaction.
AB: What benefits does the iBind System offer over manual blotting?
KL: Based on our proprietary SLF technology both the iBind and iBind Flex Western Systems automate the immunodetection steps in a western workflow to deliver hands-free convenience with more reproducible results and requiring less primary antibody when compared to manual blot processing methods.
AB: What impact has iBind had on researchers' workflow?
KL: The iBind and iBind Flex Western Systems delivers value to researchers by significantly reducing hands-on & total time, blot-to-blot variability and primary antibody consumption during immunodetection which presents an affordable alternative to more expensive automated platforms for western blotting.
Kevin Lowitz was speaking to Ashley Board, Managing Editor for Technology Networks.
