Fastblot

Electro-blotting is an important electrophoresis method to transfer mainly proteins from polyacrylamide gels on to nitrocellulose or other carrier membranes. Semi-dry blotting is done between two horizontal plate electrodes and offers fast as well as homogeneous transfer. In contrast to tank blotting only little transfer buffer is required and transfer times are shorter. Additionally, with semi-dry blotting discontinuous buffer systems can be used to gently blot smaller proteins or to transfer protein mixtures of very different sizes more evenly.

With Fastblot B43 Biometra offers corrosion-free metal electrodes without pores. These electrodes consist of a platinum-coated titanium anode and a stainless steel cathode. The metal electrodes are easy to decontaminate and can be used for higher currents so that blotting times are reduced to 10 to 30 minutes.

Large proteins (> 100 kDa) require longer transfer times. The heat that is generated by the extended transfer can be removed using the flow-through cooling system which is available with model B43. By applying higher current (up to 5 mA/cm² gel), proteins with higher molecular weights can be blotted faster and more quantitatively. Even smaller proteins can be transferred faster from thick gels and gels with small pores when blotting with high current.

Nucleic acids can also be electro-blotted using the Fastblot systems. However, vacuum blotting is the method of choice for nucleic acids.