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Power Blotter–Semi-dry Transfer System
Versatile semi-dry transfer–the performance you want with the flexibility you need
The Invitrogen Power Blotter is our flexible solution for western blot transfer, from interchangeable blotting cassettes to suit your required throughput, to multiple transfer stack consumable choices.
Designed for rapid 5–10 minute semi-dry transfer of proteins from polyacrylamide gels to nitrocellulose or PVDF membranes, the Invitrogen Power Blotter utilizes an integrated power supply, LCD touchscreen, and pre-programmed, optimized transfer protocols. Harness the power of the Invitrogen Power Blotter in your western blotting workflow. Explore more in the tabs below.
Power Blotter – 3D Virtual Tour
Get acquainted with the unique attributes of the Power Blotter XL System using this 3D virtual tour.
Semi-dry transfer
The Invitrogen Power Blotter semi-dry transfer system is an all-in-one, integrated transfer system. There is no need for an external power supply–the Power Blotter features an integrated power supply capable of delivering high current for rapid transfer. Select from a series of pre-programmed, optimized transfer methods on the LCD touchscreen depending on your protein(s) of interest or create custom programs based on your needs.
| Transfer method | Constant amperage | Default run time |
|---|---|---|
| Low MW (<25 kDa) | 1.3 amps | 5 minutes |
| Mixed-range MW (25-150 kDa) | 1.3 amps | 7 minutes |
| High MW (>150 kDa) | 1.3 amps | 10 minutes |
| 1.5 mm thick gels | 1.3 amps | 10 minutes |
| Constant voltage | Default run time | |
| Standard semi-dry (with Towbin Transfer Buffer) | 25 volts (1.0 amp) | 60 minutes |
System specifications
| Power Blotter XL Cassette | Power Blotting Cassette | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1–4 mini or 1–2 midi gels | 1–2 mini or 1 midi gel |
| Transfer time | 5–10 min | 5–10 min |
| Blotting area | 21 x 22.5 cm | 10 x 18 cm |
| Transfer buffer volume | Pre-cut membranes & filters: 50–100 mL Select Transfer Stacks: buffer not required | |
| Methods | Five pre-programmed methods based on protein molecular weight range and gel thickness or develop custom blotting methods | |
| Power supply | Internal | |
| Available consumables |
| |
The Invitrogen Power Blotter is our most flexible transfer device – offering options based on throughput and transfer speed, making Power Blotter the transfer device suited to grow around your lab’s needs.
The Power Blotter Cassette allows for simultaneous transfer of 1 to 2 mini-sized gels or 1 midi-sized gel. The Power Blotter XL Cassette provides the potential for increased throughput, for simultaneous transfer of up to 4 mini-sized gels or up to 2 midi-sized gels. Both cassettes are interchangeable with the Power Blotter Station power supply and control base to form the Power Blotter System or Power Blotter XL System.
| Transfer 1-2 mini-sized gels or 1 midi-sized gel |
| Power Blotter |
| Transfer 1-4 mini-sized gels or 2 midi-sized gels |
| Power Blotter XL |
The Invitrogen Power Blotter can be used with our do-it-yourself or ready-to-use transfer stacks.
The Invitrogen Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters come prepared with your choice of nitrocellulose (0.2 and 0.45 uM pore sizes available) or PVDF (0.45 uM pore size available) sandwiched between four sheets of our 0.85 mm thick filter papers, which combine for the appropriate thickness and buffer capacity for optimal performance. Pairing the Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters with the Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer allow for high efficiency semi-dry transfer of proteins in as little as 5 minutes. The Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer is a specialized high ionic strength transfer buffer, which allows for the increased current necessary to deliver rapid transfer.
Diagram of Power Blotter cassette with Power Blotter Pre-Cut Membrane and Filters. (1) Cathode, (2) 2 sheets of filter paper, (3) Pre-run gel, (4) Membrane, (5) 2 sheets of filter paper, (6) Anode.
Power Blotter Pre-Cut Membranes and Filters.
As an alternative, more convenient option, the Power Blotter Select Stacks are pre-assembled transfer stacks that utilize a gel matrix technology which incorporates optimized anode and cathode buffers to serve as ion reservoirs necessary for transfer. These gel matrix buffer reservoirs enable the system to generate a high field strength to increases the overall transfer speed and efficiency. Additionally, the gel matrix format of the Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks eliminates the need for preparing buffers, soaking filter paper and membranes, and minimizes handling that can lead to inconsistent performance.
Diagram of Power Blotter cassette with Power Blotter Select Stacks. (1) Cathode, (2) Cathode gel matrix with protective sheet above, (3) Pre-run gel, (4) Membrane, (5) Anode gel matrix with protective sheet underneath, (6) Anode.
Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks.
The Invitrogen Power Blotter offers high transfer efficiency for a broad range of protein sizes.
| Apparatus and consumables | Power Blotter with Select Transfer Stacks | Power Blotter with Pre-cut Membranes and Filters and Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer time | 5-10 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| Transfer efficiency |  |  |
| Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks and Power Blotter Pre-Cut Membrane and Filter stacks efficiently transfer high, mid, and low molecular weight proteins. Western blot analysis of several targets (KLH, EGFR, Hsp90, PDI and Cyclophilin B protein) was performed by loading serially diluted HeLa cell lysate with KLH spike (starting at 7.5 µg HeLa lysate, 7.5 µg KLH spike per well, serially diluted 2:3) onto Bolt 4-12% Bis-Tris Plus gels. Proteins were transferred in 7 minutes using a Power Blotter Select Transfer Stack (left, PB5310; PB3310) and Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filter stack (right, PB9320; PB7320), probed with target-specific primary antibodies and fluorescently conjugated secondary antibodies. Images captured using automatic exposure on an iBright FL1000 Imaging System. | ||
Power Blotter delivers reliable results. For increased reproducibility, Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks deliver exceptional performance.
Reliable blot to blot transfer performance. 12 individual Bolt 4-12% Bis-Tris Plus gels transferred using Power Blotter with Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks. Each blot probed for the same target proteins.
The handling inconsistencies that can occur with a more traditional do-it-yourself transfer stack setup include uneven hydration of membranes, insufficient removal of methanol/ethanol from activated PVDF membrane, incorrect setup of stack (too many and/or too few filter paper layers, incorrect membrane and/or gel orientation), drying of stacks while others are being assembled, and contaminated buffers, all of which can lead to less than ideal transfer performance.
Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks help eliminate handling inconsistencies that can affect transfer performance. Western blot analysis of several targets (KLH, EGFR, Hsp90, PDI and p23 protein) was performed by loading serially diluted HeLa cell lysate starting at 7.5 µg to 200 ng (2 to 3 dilution) per well spiked with serially diluted KLH protein starting at 7.5 ng to 0.20 ng per well onto Bolt 4-12% Bis-Tris Plus gels. Proteins were transferred in 7 minutes using a Power Blotter Select Transfer Stack (left, PB5310; PB3310) and Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filter stack (right, PB9320; PB7320), probed with target-specific primary antibodies and HRP conjugated secondary antibodies, and incubated with SuperSignal West Dura Extended Duration Substrate. Images captured using automatic exposure on an iBright FL1000 Imaging System.
Just getting started?
Choose one of our Power Blotter Welcome Packs:
Power Blotter Welcome Pack
Nitrocellulose option:
- Power Blotter Station
- Power Blotter Cassette
- Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, Nitrocellulose, Regular size
- Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, Nitrocellulose, Regular size
- Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer
PVDF option:
- Power Blotter Station
- Power Blotter Cassette
- Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, PVDF, Regular size
- Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, PVDF, Regular size
- Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer
Need more throughput?
Choose one of our Power Blotter XL Welcome Packs:
Power Blotter XL Welcome Pack
Nitrocellulose option:
- Power Blotter Station
- Power Blotter XL Cassette
- Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, Nitrocellulose, Regular size
- Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, Nitrocellulose, Regular size
- Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer
PVDF option:
- Power Blotter Station
- Power Blotter XL Cassette
- Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, PVDF, Regular size
- Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, PVDF, Regular size
- Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer
Transfer membranes for the Power Blotter System
| Membrane size | Mini | Regular (2 mini or 1 midi) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preassembled stacks | Membrane with filter papers | Preassembled stacks | Membrane with filter papers | |
| Nitrocellulose | Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, nitrocellulose, mini (Cat. No. PB3210) | Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, nitrocellulose, mini (Cat. No. PB7220) | Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, nitrocellulose, regular size (Cat. No. PB3310) | Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, nitrocellulose, regular size (Cat. No. PB7320) |
| PVDF | Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, PVDF, mini (Cat. No. PB5210) | Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, PVDF mini (Cat No. PB9220) | Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, PVDF, regular size (Cat. No. PB5310) | Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, PVDF, regular size (Cat. No. PB9320) |
The Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks are pre-assembled stacks that come with an integrated preactivated PVDF or nitrocellulose transfer membrane for dry blotting of proteins from polyacrylamide gels. Each Power Blotter Select Transfer Stack contains filter paper, membrane, and the appropriate cathode and anode buffers incorporated into a solid gel matrix to allow fast, reliable transfer of proteins.
Select stack PVDF membranes
The PVDF membrane (0.45 µm pore size, low fluorescence) has higher binding capacity than nitrocellulose. The membrane is compatible with commonly used detection methods such as staining, immunodetection, and fluorescence. The proteins bind to the membrane through hydrophobic interactions. This membrane has lower background levels and increased sensitivity for fluorescent probing than regular PVDF membranes.
Select stack Nitrocellulose membrane
The nitrocellulose membrane (0.2 µm pore size) in the stack is composed of 100% pure nitrocellulose to provide high-quality transfer. The membrane is compatible with commonly used detection methods such as staining, chemiluminescence, and fluorescence. The proteins bind to the membrane through hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. The protein binding capacity is 209 µg/cm2.
Invitrogen Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters are convenient pre-cut membranes and filters that include 20 sheets of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) or nitrocellulose and 80 sheets of absorbent blotting paper (0.85 mm thickness). Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters combined with Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer allow for high-efficiency semi-dry transfer of proteins in less than 10 minutes.
Transfer buffers for Power Blotter System
| Transfer type | Transfer buffer |
|---|---|
| Rapid transfer (5-12 minutes) | Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer (5X) (Cat. No. PB7100) Pierce 1-Step Transfer Buffer (1X) (Cat. No. 84731) |
| Standard semi-dry transfer | Tris-Glycine Buffer Packs (Towbin buffer) (Cat. No. 28380) |
1-Step Transfer buffer is a high ionic strength formulation which allows for 5-minute to 12-minute protein transfer when used with compatible semi-dry blotting systems. Such devices should provide constant high current (1.3 to 5.0 amps) to rapidly transfer proteins via the high ionic strength conditions supplied by the transfer buffer.
Power Blotter product manuals
Semi-dry transfer
The Invitrogen Power Blotter semi-dry transfer system is an all-in-one, integrated transfer system. There is no need for an external power supply–the Power Blotter features an integrated power supply capable of delivering high current for rapid transfer. Select from a series of pre-programmed, optimized transfer methods on the LCD touchscreen depending on your protein(s) of interest or create custom programs based on your needs.
| Transfer method | Constant amperage | Default run time |
|---|---|---|
| Low MW (<25 kDa) | 1.3 amps | 5 minutes |
| Mixed-range MW (25-150 kDa) | 1.3 amps | 7 minutes |
| High MW (>150 kDa) | 1.3 amps | 10 minutes |
| 1.5 mm thick gels | 1.3 amps | 10 minutes |
| Constant voltage | Default run time | |
| Standard semi-dry (with Towbin Transfer Buffer) | 25 volts (1.0 amp) | 60 minutes |
System specifications
| Power Blotter XL Cassette | Power Blotting Cassette | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1–4 mini or 1–2 midi gels | 1–2 mini or 1 midi gel |
| Transfer time | 5–10 min | 5–10 min |
| Blotting area | 21 x 22.5 cm | 10 x 18 cm |
| Transfer buffer volume | Pre-cut membranes & filters: 50–100 mL Select Transfer Stacks: buffer not required | |
| Methods | Five pre-programmed methods based on protein molecular weight range and gel thickness or develop custom blotting methods | |
| Power supply | Internal | |
| Available consumables |
| |
The Invitrogen Power Blotter is our most flexible transfer device – offering options based on throughput and transfer speed, making Power Blotter the transfer device suited to grow around your lab’s needs.
The Power Blotter Cassette allows for simultaneous transfer of 1 to 2 mini-sized gels or 1 midi-sized gel. The Power Blotter XL Cassette provides the potential for increased throughput, for simultaneous transfer of up to 4 mini-sized gels or up to 2 midi-sized gels. Both cassettes are interchangeable with the Power Blotter Station power supply and control base to form the Power Blotter System or Power Blotter XL System.
| Transfer 1-2 mini-sized gels or 1 midi-sized gel |
| Power Blotter |
| Transfer 1-4 mini-sized gels or 2 midi-sized gels |
| Power Blotter XL |
The Invitrogen Power Blotter can be used with our do-it-yourself or ready-to-use transfer stacks.
The Invitrogen Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters come prepared with your choice of nitrocellulose (0.2 and 0.45 uM pore sizes available) or PVDF (0.45 uM pore size available) sandwiched between four sheets of our 0.85 mm thick filter papers, which combine for the appropriate thickness and buffer capacity for optimal performance. Pairing the Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters with the Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer allow for high efficiency semi-dry transfer of proteins in as little as 5 minutes. The Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer is a specialized high ionic strength transfer buffer, which allows for the increased current necessary to deliver rapid transfer.
Diagram of Power Blotter cassette with Power Blotter Pre-Cut Membrane and Filters. (1) Cathode, (2) 2 sheets of filter paper, (3) Pre-run gel, (4) Membrane, (5) 2 sheets of filter paper, (6) Anode.
Power Blotter Pre-Cut Membranes and Filters.
As an alternative, more convenient option, the Power Blotter Select Stacks are pre-assembled transfer stacks that utilize a gel matrix technology which incorporates optimized anode and cathode buffers to serve as ion reservoirs necessary for transfer. These gel matrix buffer reservoirs enable the system to generate a high field strength to increases the overall transfer speed and efficiency. Additionally, the gel matrix format of the Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks eliminates the need for preparing buffers, soaking filter paper and membranes, and minimizes handling that can lead to inconsistent performance.
Diagram of Power Blotter cassette with Power Blotter Select Stacks. (1) Cathode, (2) Cathode gel matrix with protective sheet above, (3) Pre-run gel, (4) Membrane, (5) Anode gel matrix with protective sheet underneath, (6) Anode.
Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks.
The Invitrogen Power Blotter offers high transfer efficiency for a broad range of protein sizes.
| Apparatus and consumables | Power Blotter with Select Transfer Stacks | Power Blotter with Pre-cut Membranes and Filters and Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer time | 5-10 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| Transfer efficiency | | |
| Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks and Power Blotter Pre-Cut Membrane and Filter stacks efficiently transfer high, mid, and low molecular weight proteins. Western blot analysis of several targets (KLH, EGFR, Hsp90, PDI and Cyclophilin B protein) was performed by loading serially diluted HeLa cell lysate with KLH spike (starting at 7.5 µg HeLa lysate, 7.5 µg KLH spike per well, serially diluted 2:3) onto Bolt 4-12% Bis-Tris Plus gels. Proteins were transferred in 7 minutes using a Power Blotter Select Transfer Stack (left, PB5310; PB3310) and Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filter stack (right, PB9320; PB7320), probed with target-specific primary antibodies and fluorescently conjugated secondary antibodies. Images captured using automatic exposure on an iBright FL1000 Imaging System. | ||
Power Blotter delivers reliable results. For increased reproducibility, Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks deliver exceptional performance.
Reliable blot to blot transfer performance. 12 individual Bolt 4-12% Bis-Tris Plus gels transferred using Power Blotter with Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks. Each blot probed for the same target proteins.
The handling inconsistencies that can occur with a more traditional do-it-yourself transfer stack setup include uneven hydration of membranes, insufficient removal of methanol/ethanol from activated PVDF membrane, incorrect setup of stack (too many and/or too few filter paper layers, incorrect membrane and/or gel orientation), drying of stacks while others are being assembled, and contaminated buffers, all of which can lead to less than ideal transfer performance.
Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks help eliminate handling inconsistencies that can affect transfer performance. Western blot analysis of several targets (KLH, EGFR, Hsp90, PDI and p23 protein) was performed by loading serially diluted HeLa cell lysate starting at 7.5 µg to 200 ng (2 to 3 dilution) per well spiked with serially diluted KLH protein starting at 7.5 ng to 0.20 ng per well onto Bolt 4-12% Bis-Tris Plus gels. Proteins were transferred in 7 minutes using a Power Blotter Select Transfer Stack (left, PB5310; PB3310) and Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filter stack (right, PB9320; PB7320), probed with target-specific primary antibodies and HRP conjugated secondary antibodies, and incubated with SuperSignal West Dura Extended Duration Substrate. Images captured using automatic exposure on an iBright FL1000 Imaging System.
Just getting started?
Choose one of our Power Blotter Welcome Packs:
Power Blotter Welcome Pack
Nitrocellulose option:
- Power Blotter Station
- Power Blotter Cassette
- Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, Nitrocellulose, Regular size
- Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, Nitrocellulose, Regular size
- Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer
PVDF option:
- Power Blotter Station
- Power Blotter Cassette
- Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, PVDF, Regular size
- Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, PVDF, Regular size
- Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer
Need more throughput?
Choose one of our Power Blotter XL Welcome Packs:
Power Blotter XL Welcome Pack
Nitrocellulose option:
- Power Blotter Station
- Power Blotter XL Cassette
- Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, Nitrocellulose, Regular size
- Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, Nitrocellulose, Regular size
- Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer
PVDF option:
- Power Blotter Station
- Power Blotter XL Cassette
- Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, PVDF, Regular size
- Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, PVDF, Regular size
- Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer
Transfer membranes for the Power Blotter System
| Membrane size | Mini | Regular (2 mini or 1 midi) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preassembled stacks | Membrane with filter papers | Preassembled stacks | Membrane with filter papers | |
| Nitrocellulose | Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, nitrocellulose, mini (Cat. No. PB3210) | Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, nitrocellulose, mini (Cat. No. PB7220) | Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, nitrocellulose, regular size (Cat. No. PB3310) | Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, nitrocellulose, regular size (Cat. No. PB7320) |
| PVDF | Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, PVDF, mini (Cat. No. PB5210) | Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, PVDF mini (Cat No. PB9220) | Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks, PVDF, regular size (Cat. No. PB5310) | Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters, PVDF, regular size (Cat. No. PB9320) |
The Power Blotter Select Transfer Stacks are pre-assembled stacks that come with an integrated preactivated PVDF or nitrocellulose transfer membrane for dry blotting of proteins from polyacrylamide gels. Each Power Blotter Select Transfer Stack contains filter paper, membrane, and the appropriate cathode and anode buffers incorporated into a solid gel matrix to allow fast, reliable transfer of proteins.
Select stack PVDF membranes
The PVDF membrane (0.45 µm pore size, low fluorescence) has higher binding capacity than nitrocellulose. The membrane is compatible with commonly used detection methods such as staining, immunodetection, and fluorescence. The proteins bind to the membrane through hydrophobic interactions. This membrane has lower background levels and increased sensitivity for fluorescent probing than regular PVDF membranes.
Select stack Nitrocellulose membrane
The nitrocellulose membrane (0.2 µm pore size) in the stack is composed of 100% pure nitrocellulose to provide high-quality transfer. The membrane is compatible with commonly used detection methods such as staining, chemiluminescence, and fluorescence. The proteins bind to the membrane through hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. The protein binding capacity is 209 µg/cm2.
Invitrogen Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters are convenient pre-cut membranes and filters that include 20 sheets of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) or nitrocellulose and 80 sheets of absorbent blotting paper (0.85 mm thickness). Power Blotter Pre-cut Membranes and Filters combined with Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer allow for high-efficiency semi-dry transfer of proteins in less than 10 minutes.
Transfer buffers for Power Blotter System
| Transfer type | Transfer buffer |
|---|---|
| Rapid transfer (5-12 minutes) | Power Blotter 1-Step Transfer Buffer (5X) (Cat. No. PB7100) Pierce 1-Step Transfer Buffer (1X) (Cat. No. 84731) |
| Standard semi-dry transfer | Tris-Glycine Buffer Packs (Towbin buffer) (Cat. No. 28380) |
1-Step Transfer buffer is a high ionic strength formulation which allows for 5-minute to 12-minute protein transfer when used with compatible semi-dry blotting systems. Such devices should provide constant high current (1.3 to 5.0 amps) to rapidly transfer proteins via the high ionic strength conditions supplied by the transfer buffer.
Power Blotter product manuals
How-to videos
How to perform a western blot semi-dry transfer using the Invitrogen Power Blotter and the Select Transfer Stacks
Learn how to perform a rapid western blot transfer in 6–10 minutes using the Invitrogen Power Blotter and ready-to-use stacks.
How to perform a western blot semi-dry transfer using the Invitrogen Power Blotter with Pre-cut Membranes and Filters
Learn how to perform a rapid western blot transfer in 10 minutes using the Invitrogen Power Blotter.
Download: Power Blotter Brochure
Download: Western Blotting Overview Brochure
Download: Western Blotting technical handbook
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.