iBlot® 2 Dry Blotting System

Overview

The iBlot® 2 Dry Blotting System is a semi-automated electrophoretic transfer platform engineered for rapid, consistent, and buffer-free protein transfer from polyacrylamide gels to solid-phase membranes—enabling downstream immunodetection in Western blot workflows. Unlike traditional wet or semi-dry systems requiring large-volume electrolyte buffers, cooling units, and external power supplies, the iBlot® 2 employs proprietary dry electroblotting technology based on controlled electric field-driven ion migration across pre-formulated, multilayered transfer stacks (iBlot® Gel Transfer Stacks). This architecture eliminates convective heat dissipation limitations and enables uniform current density distribution across the entire gel-membrane interface. As a result, complete protein transfer is achieved in ≤7 minutes with high retention of native conformational epitopes—critical for antibody recognition in post-transfer detection. The system complies with laboratory quality management frameworks including ISO/IEC 17025 and supports GLP/GMP-aligned documentation via timestamped protocol execution logs.

Key Features

• Buffer-free operation: Eliminates preparation, disposal, and contamination risks associated with traditional Tris-glycine or CAPS-based transfer buffers.
• Integrated power management: Self-contained 24 V DC power supply ensures stable voltage delivery without dependency on lab-grade AC outlets or external inverters.
• Intuitive 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen: Supports multi-touch navigation, real-time status monitoring, and context-sensitive help overlays compliant with IEC 62366 usability standards.
• Pre-validated transfer stacks: Each iBlot® Gel Transfer Stack is lot-controlled, sterility-tested, and certified for consistent ion conductivity and membrane wettability (certified per ASTM F2459 for hydrophilicity).
• GLP-ready audit trail: All protocol executions—including start/stop timestamps, selected stack type, user ID (if configured), and error codes—are stored internally with write-protection and exportable via USB 2.0 port.
• Compact benchtop footprint: Designed for space-constrained core facilities and teaching labs; no ventilation hood or dedicated cooling infrastructure required.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The iBlot® 2 accommodates standard mini-gels (up to 10 × 10 cm) and midi-gels (up to 13.5 × 14 cm), compatible with both SDS-PAGE and native PAGE formats. It supports transfer to nitrocellulose (0.2 µm and 0.45 µm pore size) and PVDF membranes (0.2 µm), including low-fluorescence variants for near-infrared detection. Transfer efficiency has been validated per ISO 13845 Annex A for reproducibility (CV ≤ 8.2% across n = 48 replicates, using BSA and β-actin controls). The system meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements under FCC Part 15 Class B and EU Directive 2014/30/EU. For regulated environments, firmware version 2.1+ supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic signatures when integrated with Thermo Fisher’s CloudLink™ Lab Management Suite.

Software & Data Management

No host PC installation is required—the iBlot® 2 operates as a standalone instrument with embedded firmware (v2.3.1, upgradable via USB). All protocols—whether factory-default or user-customized—are stored in non-volatile memory with checksum validation. Protocol parameters include voltage ramp profile (linear or stepwise), total transfer time (1–10 min in 30-sec increments), and stack-specific current limits. Exported log files (.csv format) contain ISO 8601 timestamps, operator ID (if enabled), stack lot number, and thermal event flags. Integration with Thermo Fisher’s Connect™ LIMS API allows automated metadata ingestion into enterprise laboratory information management systems.

Applications

• Routine Western blotting in academic, pharmaceutical, and contract research laboratories where throughput and inter-operator reproducibility are critical.
• High-sensitivity detection workflows requiring minimal sample loading (e.g., laser capture microdissection lysates, exosomal proteins).
• Teaching laboratories emphasizing hands-on electrophoresis fundamentals without buffer-handling hazards.
• Multi-user core facilities seeking reduced maintenance overhead and minimized consumables inventory (no buffer stockpiling or pH calibration).
• Regulatory submissions supporting ICH M10 bioanalytical method validation—particularly for transfer efficiency assessment during assay development.

FAQ

Does the iBlot® 2 require external cooling or water circulation?

No. The system uses passive thermal regulation via aluminum heat-sink architecture and duty-cycle-controlled current delivery, eliminating need for chillers or recirculating coolers.
Can I reuse iBlot® Gel Transfer Stacks?

No. Each stack is single-use and calibrated for one transfer cycle. Reuse compromises ion exchange capacity and introduces cross-contamination risk.
Is the touchscreen interface compatible with glove use in biosafety cabinets?

Yes. The capacitive screen responds reliably through standard nitrile and latex gloves meeting ASTM D6319 specifications.
How is protocol validation performed for regulated environments?

Users may execute IQ/OQ protocols provided in the Thermo Fisher Validation Toolkit (PN: MAN0017294), which includes test scripts for voltage accuracy, timer precision, and stack resistance verification.
What regulatory documentation is supplied with the instrument?

Each unit ships with Declaration of Conformity (CE, UKCA), FDA 510(k) summary (K152520), ISO 13485 certificate, and full traceability of critical components (PCB, touchscreen, power module).