Bio-Rad introduces Trans-Blot Turbo transfer system

Published: 1-Apr-2011

The transfer system enables protein transfer in western blotting in as little as three minutes

Bio-Rad Laboratories has launched Trans-Blot Turbo transfer system, a rapid western blotting instrument that allows researchers to efficiently transfer proteins from gel to blot in as little as 3 minutes.

'The Trans-Blot Turbo transfer system has allowed our researchers to streamline transfers, decreasing processing times from hours to a matter of minutes,' said Ian MacRae PhD, assistant professor at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California. 'Transfers using traditional methods can be time consuming, and reproducibility among users is often a problem. The Trans-Blot Turbo system eliminates any user-to-user variation concerns, making it possible to create high-quality, reproducible blots in a fraction of the time.'

Conventional tank and semi-dry western blotting protocols require time-consuming reagent preparation and setup, followed by an electrophoretic transfer that can take up to an hour or overnight to complete. Researchers using the Trans-Blot Turbo system can overcome this bottleneck by significantly reducing their transfer time to 3 to 10 min, depending on protein size.

The system uses pre-packaged Turbo transfer packs that include proprietary blotting paper, buffer, and membrane (nitrocellulose or PVDF), eliminating the time and hassle associated with the preparation of typical western blots. It delivers equal or better transfer efficiency compared to traditional methods, enabling the detection of proteins larger than 200 kD.

The short setup and transfer times, coupled with the system’s ability to transfer four mini gels or two midi gels simultaneously, matches the throughput of Bio-Rad’s electrophoresis cells. Additionally, the Trans-Blot Turbo system allows users to control transfer conditions and is compatible with standard semi-dry consumables for 30 min semi-dry transfer.

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