The iBlot 3 Western Blot Transfer Device is a dry transfer device that performs western blotting transfer efficiently and reliably in as few as three minutes and without the need for liquid buffers. The iBlot 3 system is compatible with both nitrocellulose and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes and offers equivalent or better performance compared with traditional wet-transfer methods in a fraction of the time. The iBlot 3 Western Blot Transfer Device is an integral part of the iBlot dry blotting system, which consists of the transfer device and consumable transfer stacks that contain the required buffers and transfer membrane (nitrocellulose or PVDF).

iBlot 3 Western Blot Transfer Device features include:
• Complete protein transfer in as few as three minutes
• High detection sensitivity and even, consistent protein transfer
• Two independently controlled transfer stations capable of transferring up to two midi or four mini blots
• Built-in adjustable cooling to ensure consistent transfer temperature
• Pre-programed transfer methods optimized for low, high, and broad molecular weight ranges
• Ability to create custom programs
• A simple, user-friendly interface

How the iBlot dry blotting system works
Buffer ion reservoirs are incorporated into the gel matrix of transfer stacks instead of buffer tanks or soaked filter papers. The high density of ions in the gel matrix enables rapid protein transfer. During blotting, the copper anode does not generate oxygen gas as a result of water electrolysis, reducing blot distortion (conventional protein transfer techniques, including wet, semi-wet, and semi-dry, use inert electrodes that generate oxygen).

With the iBlot dry blotting system, transfer time is reduced by the shortened distance between electrodes, high field strength, and high current. Trapped air bubbles, often created during the manual preparation of the blotting sandwich layers, are easy to avoid due to our unique de-bubbling design that promotes even and complete transfer. With the iBlot 3 system, there is no need to prepare buffers or clean up after blotting. The total preparation and run time is normally less than ten minutes per blot.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

After transferring using the iBlot 3 Western Blot Transfer System, I noticed that the Bottom Stack transfer gel melted to a viscous blue solution. Why is this?

This happens if the membrane is trimmed to fit the gel size resulting in direct contact between the Top and Bottom transfer stacks. This can be avoided by maintaining the membrane size identical to the transfer stack. Transfer quality is not affected by smaller gel size compared to the membrane.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Electrophoresis and Western Blotting Support Center.

What is the Blotting Roller that is provided with the iBlot 3 Western Blot Transfer System?

The Blotting Roller is a plastic roller attached to a stainless steel handle. It is used to remove any air bubbles between the gel and blotting membrane during the assembly of the transfer stacks and gel.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Electrophoresis and Western Blotting Support Center.

Can I cut the membrane in the iBlot 3 Transfer Stacks to fit my separating gel?

No, we recommend maintaining the membrane size identical to the transfer stacks. This helps ensure that there is no direct contact between the Top and Bottom transfer stacks.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Electrophoresis and Western Blotting Support Center.

Are the PVDF and nitrocellulose membranes in the iBlot 3 Transfer Stacks compatible with fluorescent antibodies or membrane staining (e.g., LI-COR, Ponceau S)?

The PVDF and nitrocellulose membranes in the iBlot 3 Transfer Stacks are compatible with all commonly used detection methods such as staining, immunodetection, fluorescence, etc.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Electrophoresis and Western Blotting Support Center.