BlotCycler™ processes western blots unattended, and delivers high sensitivity and low background noise without changing protocols

Scientists seeking reproducible data in their experiments are often confounded with the results from western blot assays. The steps for processing western blots require precise performance of blocking and antibody incubation. When these steps are performed manually, any error or variation that occurs is directly responsible for inconsistent results (Koller and Wätzig, 2005, Precision and variance components in quantitative gel electrophoresis, Electrophoresis, 26 (12):2470-2475). BlotCycler, by Precision Biosystems, is a simple and elegant system designed to perform blocking, addition and incubation of primary and secondary antibodies, and washing steps automatically. For a limited time, scientists can try using BlotCycler in their laboratories free of charge for a one-month trial period.

BlotCycler is equipped with trays that can be configured to process up to 24 blots with 6 different primary and secondary antibodies simultaneously. Users simply add their antibodies and fill the BlotCycler tank with buffer solution, add blot membranes to processing trays, and select the protocol for blocking, incubation and washing. With precise timing, BlotCycler distributes buffers and antibodies, and performs controlled agitation for consistent processing. When blots are removed the automatic cleaning protocol is employed for thorough cleaning. The system accommodates most blocking and incubation protocols, and laboratories can continue using the same reagents. BlotCycler is capable of running multiple western blots using two different protocols simultaneously, performing all the steps in precise, reproducible fashion to yield uniform assay results unattended.

BlotCycler users report blot-to-blot consistency, time after time. Laura Marlow of the Mayo Clinic in Florida obtained results from a cancer cell study with virtually no non-specific bands that plagued her blot before using BlotCycler to process blots unattended in a cold room. “People appreciate BlotCycler’s ‘walk-away’ capability for processing western blots,” said Russ Yukhananov, Ph.D., CEO of Precision Biosystems, “but the real value they find is BlotCycler’s ability to consistently deliver precise results. We have recently upgraded and tweaked BlotCycler. Our new 4 cm x 9.5 cm tray allows users to perform blots using even smaller volume of primary antibodies. We’ve also improved the tank design and material,” he added.

For a limited time, BlotCycler is available for a free one-month trial – researchers simply have to contact Precision Biosystems. The system is compact and easy to use, and often uses the same reagents currently being used. Users are guaranteed to get better western blots.