Invitrogen™ Power Blotter System

Catalog No.	Quantity
PB0012	1 system

Catalog No. PB0012 Supplier Invitrogen™ Supplier No. PB0012

Description

Includes

Invitrogen Power Blotter Cassette, Invitrogen Power Power Station

Get rapid and efficient semi-dry protein transfer with the Invitrogen™ Power Blotter.

The Invitrogen™ Power Blotter System is specifically designed for rapid semi-dry transfer of proteins from polyacrylamide gels (SDS-PAGE) to nitrocellulose or PVDF membranes in 5 to 12 minutes. The Power Blotter includes an integrated power supply optimized to enable consistent and high-efficiency protein transfer.

The Power Blotter Cassette enables the simultaneous transfer of gels. The Power Blotter Station has an easy-to-use color LCD touchscreen interface with pre-programmed transfer methods for different numbers and sizes of gels and ranges of molecular weight proteins. The easy-touch programming feature allows custom transfer settings to be quickly created, saved, and run.

The Power Blotter achieves highly efficient transfer in 7 minutes when used with Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks or 10 minutes with the Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer. The instrument is also effective for standard 30- to 60-minute semi-dry transfer protocols based on traditional Towbin buffer.

Features:

• Efficient—high transfer efficiency with a broad range of protein sizes compared to conventional semi-dry or wet (tank) transfer methods
• Fast—5 to 12 minute transfer when used with Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks or Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer
• Integrated power supply—seamless operation between control unit and cassette; no need for external power supply
• Easy-touch programming—convenient pre-programmed transfer methods or create, save, and run customized transfer methods
• Flexible—simultaneous transfer
• Versatile—compatible with Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, Pierce 1-Step Transfer Buffer for rapid blotting programs or Towbin transfer buffer for conventional semi-dry transfer methods

Specifications

• Content And Storage: • Power Blotter Station
  • Power Blotter Cassette
• For Use With (Application): Western Blot
• Membrane Compatibility: Nitrocellulose, PVDF
• Mode of Transfer: Semi-Dry
• Product Line: Power Blotter
• Throughput: 1 Midi or 2 Mini Gels
• Type: Blotter System
• Quantity: 1 system
• Shipping Condition: Room Temperature

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between the Power Blotter System and the Power Blotter XL System?

The Power Blotter System (Cat. No. PB0012) comes with the Power Blotter Station (Cat. No. PB0010) plus Power Blotter Cassette (Cat. No. PB0002). The Power Blotter System can transfer one midi or up to two mini gels at the same time. The Power Blotter XL System (Cat. No. PB0013) on the other hand comes with the Power Blotter Station (Cat. No. PB0010) plus Power Blotter XL Cassette (Cat. No. PB0003). The Power Blotter XL System can transfer up to two midi or four mini gels at the same time.

Is it possible to do gel staining with the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System?

Even though the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System does not have the staining program, this can be introduced. Please see the user guide for our Pierce Mini/Midi Gel Power Staining Kit (https://assets.thermofisher.com/TFS-Assets/LSG/manuals/MAN0017799_22839_22840_powerstain_midi_minigel_UG.pdf) for how to create a Custom Staining Method.

What is the material used for the anode and cathode plates of the Power Blotter Cassette/Power Blotter Cassette XL?

The top (cathode) is stainless steel and the bottom (anode) is platinum-coated stainless steel.

The central European or UK power cord for the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System does not work in Switzerland. Do you offer a Swiss power cord?

Yes, you may purchase the Universal Cable Kit (Cat. No. 4377117).

I have lost the power cord for the Power Blotter Station. Is it sold as a stand-alone item?

Here are the SKUs for the power cord. Please order the one appropriate for your region:

- Cat. No. 84858: Power Cord with C13 Connector, North America
- Cat. No. 84859: Power Cord with C13 Connector, Continental Europe and South Korea
- Cat. No. 84860: Power Cord with C13 Connector, United Kingdom and Singapore
- Cat. No. 84855: Chinese 10 Amp Cordset w/ C13 Connector
- Cat. No. 84856: Japanese 15 Amp Cordset w/ C13 Connector
- Cat. No. 84857: Australian 10 Amp Cordset w/ C13 Connector

Are Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks compatible with immunofluorescence detection?

Yes, Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks are compatible with immunofluorescence detection.

Can I use PVDF and nitrocellulose membranes for transfer of gels using the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System?

Yes, both PVDF and nitrocellulose membranes are compatible with the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System. You can use 0.2 µm and 0.45 µm pore size membranes. Our Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters (PVDF and nitrocellulose) come with 0.45 µm pore size membranes. Our Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks (PVDF and nitrocellulose) come with 0.2 µm pore size membranes.

The Power Blotter Cassette/Power Blotter Cassette XL is difficult to open. What can I do?

This may be due to salt deposited on moving parts inside the cassette. We recommend rinsing the cassette top and bottom under warm water while removing any sticky salt residue with a gloved hand. Briefly rinse with deionized water and place in a rack to dry. For more thorough cleaning, immerse the unassembled cassette in warm water and use a gloved hand or clean sponge to remove any sticky salt residue. Rinse with deionized water and place perpendicular in a rack to dry.
Note: Failure to keep the cassette top (cathode) and bottom (anode) clean will result in the sticking of moving parts and lead to poor transfer efficiency.

Can I transfer EMSA gels using the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System?

Yes. You may use the same method that was used with the G2 Fast Blotter: https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/protein-biology/protein-biology-learning-center/protein-biology-resource-library/protein-biology-application-notes/transfer-emsa-gels-using-g2-fast-blotter.html

I have used the G2 Fast Blotter in the past. Can I apply my standardized method to the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System? Is there a need to do revalidation?

No, revalidation is not necessary. The firmware is the same and the blotting efficiency is the same.

Can I use my own consumables for standard and fast semi-dry transfer with the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System?

You can use your own consumables (membrane, filter paper with 2.48 mm thickness, and buffer) for standard semi-dry transfer on the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System following the parameters recommended on page 20 of the Power Blotter System User Guide (https://assets.thermofisher.com/TFS-Assets/LSG/manuals/MAN0017053-PowerBlotterSystem-UG.pdf).

For fast semi-dry transfer on the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System, you can use your own membrane and filter paper (with 1.8 mm thickness), however, the Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer or the Pierce 1-Step Transfer Buffer would need to be used.

I want to prepare my own transfer stack for use with the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System. Can I use any filter paper?

Yes, but you need to ensure that the total thickness of the filter paper stack on either side of the gel/membrane does not exceed 1.8 mm.

Does the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System allow fast transfer?

Yes, utilization of the Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer (5X) allows fast transfer (within 5 min for low MW proteins/within 7 min for mixed range MW proteins/within 10 min for high MW proteins). The Power Blotter can also be used with the Pierce 1-Step Transfer Buffer (Cat. No. 84731, 84731X5, or 84742) for fast transfer.

Can I use the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System with my own homemade transfer buffer?

Yes, the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System is an open system and you can use your own transfer buffer. However, keep in mind that your own transfer buffer will result in a prolonged transfer time (˜60 min), whereas a fast transfer (5-10 min) can be achieved using the Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer (5X) or the Pierce 1-Step Transfer Buffer.

I have a G2 Fast Blotter but my cassette broke. Do you sell a spare cassette?

Yes, you can order the Power Blotter Cassette XL (Cat. No. PB0003).
Note: The Power Blotter Cassette (Cat. No. PB0002) is not compatible with the G2 Fast Blotter.

What is the difference between the Power Blotter Cassette (Cat. No. PB0002) and the Power Blotter Cassette XL (Cat. No. PB0003)?

The Power Blotter Cassette (Cat. No. PB0002) is designed to blot 1-2 mini gels at a time or 1 midi gel and the Power Blotter Cassette XL (Cat. No. PB0003) is designed to blot 1-4 mini gels or 1-2 midi gels at a time. Both cassettes can be used with the Power Blotter. On the other hand, the traditional G2 Fast Blotter is only compatible with the Power Blotter Cassette XL (Cat. No. PB0003); the Power Blotter Cassette (Cat. No. PB0002) will not work with the G2 Fast Blotter.

The power station on my G2 Fast Blotter has broken. How can I replace the station?

You can purchase the Power Blotter Station (Cat. No. PB0010) and the G2 Fast Blotter cassette is compatible with it. The new Power Blotter System is designed for Western transfer alone and does not have a staining module; therefore, the G2 Fast Blotter staining cassette cannot be used on the Power Blotter Station.

Do you offer a staining cassette for the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System?

We do not offer a staining cassette for the Power Blotter System/Power Blotter XL System but it can be programmed to stain gels. Please see the user guide for our Pierce Mini/Midi Gel Power Staining Kit (https://assets.thermofisher.com/TFS-Assets/LSG/manuals/MAN0017799_22839_22840_powerstain_midi_minigel_UG.pdf) for how to create a Custom Staining Method.

Is there a difference in transfer efficiency when blotting 1 or 2 mini gels at a time using the Power Blotter System, and 1, 2, or 4 mini gels at a time using the Power Blotter XL System?

No, 1-2 mini gels and 1, 2, or 4 mini gels can be transferred at the same time with the same transfer efficiency using the Power Blotter System and Power Blotter XL System, respectively.

I used the Thermo Scientific Power Blotter and got inefficient transfer of low-molecular weight proteins to PVDF. What should I do?

This is most likely due to inefficient binding of some low-molecular weight proteins (<25 kDa) to PVDF membrane. We recommend combining ethanol and Thermo Scientific 1-Step Transfer Buffer in a 15:85 ratio before equilibrating filter paper and membrane (e.g., 15 mL of ethanol with 85 mL of Thermo Scientific 1-Step Transfer Buffer).

With the Thermo Scientific Power Blotter, I got inconsistent transfer of my proteins. Why is this?

Here are possible causes and solutions:

- Membrane or filter paper was insufficiently equilibrated in Thermo Scientific 1-Step Transfer Buffer: Equilibrate membrane and filter paper in Thermo Scientific 1-Step Transfer Buffer before transfer for a minimum of 5 minutes. Use a sufficient amount of buffer for the equilibration step.
- Insufficient transfer time: Increase transfer time from 7-10 minutes to 10-12 minutes.
- PVDF membrane was not pre-wetted with methanol or ethanol: Wet PVDF membrane with methanol or ethanol and equilibrate for 10-15 minutes in Thermo Scientific 1-Step Transfer Buffer before transfer.
- Air bubbles trapped between gel and membrane: When assembling transfer stack, use a roller or pipette to remove any air bubbles between the gel and the membrane.
- Filter paper used in the fast transfer exceeded 1.8 mm: Use filter paper <1.8 mm thick.

I would like to use the Thermo Scientific Power Blotter but the cassette is difficult to open. What should I do?

This is likely due to salt deposited on moving parts inside the cassette. Rinse the cassette top and bottom under warm water while removing any sticky salt residue with a gloved hand. Briefly rinse with deionized water and place in a rack to dry.

For more thorough cleaning, immerse the unassembled cassette in warm water, use a gloved hand or clean sponge to remove any sticky salt residue. Rinse with deionized water and place perpendicular in a rack to dry.

Note: Failure to keep cassette top (cathode) and bottom (anode) clean will result in the sticking of moving parts and lead to poor transfer efficiency.

How many gels can be simultaneously transferred using the Thermo Scientific Power Blotter when used in conjunction with Towbin Transfer Buffer?

When the Thermo Scientific Power Blotter is used in conjunction with Towbin Transfer Buffer, one to four mini-sized gels or one to two midi-sized gels can be simultaneously transferred in 45-60 minutes. Please note that gels simultaneously transferred must have the same formulation.

How many gels can be simultaneously transferred using the Thermo Scientific Power Blotter when used in conjunction with the Thermo Scientific 1-Step Transfer Buffer?

When the Thermo Scientific Power Blotter is used in conjunction with the Thermo Scientific 1-Step Transfer Buffer, one to four mini-sized gels or one to two midi-sized gels can be simultaneously transferred in 5-10 minutes. Please note that gels simultaneously transferred must have the same formulation.

What are the components of the Thermo Scientific Power Blotter and how does it work?

The Thermo Scientific Power Blotter (Cat. No. PB0012) consists of the Thermo Scientific Power Station (Cat. No. PB0010) with activated Blotting Software and the Thermo Scientific Power Blot Cassette (Cat. No. PB0002). It is designed for rapid semi-dry transfer of proteins from polyacrylamide gels to nitrocellulose or PVDF membranes. Traditional western blotting techniques require a transfer of one hour to overnight to achieve good transfer efficiency. When used in conjunction with Thermo Scientific 1-Step Transfer Buffer, the Thermo Scientific Power Blotter is designed to provide transfer efficiency in 5-10 min that is equivalent to, or better than, traditional blotting techniques without the need for gel pre-equilibration. This significant reduction in protein transfer time is accomplished by optimizing the ionic strength of the transfer buffer and increasing the current [amps (A)/cm2] flowing through the transfer stack. The system has been verified to work with commonly used pre-cast and homemade SDS-PAGE gels. The Thermo Scientific Power Blotter can also be used for standard semi-dry transfer protocols with Towbin buffer.

Safety and Handling

WARNING: Cancer - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.