How Western Blot & Gel Imaging Systems Work & How We Save You Time & Money

The Advantages of Excedr’s Western Blot Imager Leasing Program:

• Eliminates the upfront cost of purchasing equipment by spreading its cost over time
• Minimizes equipment downtime with included complete repair coverage and preventive maintenance
• Takes advantage of potentially 100% tax deductible* payments, providing you significant cash-savings
• Expedites the administrative work needed for instrument procurement and logistics
• Conserves working capital,  enabling you to reinvest in your core business and operations (staffing, inventory, marketing/sales, etc.)
• Accommodates all manufacturer and model preferences

*Please consult your tax advisor to determine the full tax implications of leasing equipment.

Western blot imaging is a type of assay commonly used in the lab to perform research or offer services related to molecular biology.

Specifically, western blot imaging systems allow for the visualization and study of target proteins within a mixture of proteins. 

Gel imaging is also commonly used in molecular biology, as it enables researchers to study nucleic acids using the same gel-based techniques used in western blotting immunoassays. Many systems available today integrate gel imaging and western blot documentation in one instrument.

Each technique and instrument type offers imaging and documentation capabilities regarding specific nucleic acid and proteins that are suspended within agarose or polyacrylamide gels. These gel samples are generally stained using ethidium bromide or similar fluorophores.

Traditional detection methods include using X-ray film or a transilluminator to detect protein or nucleic acid levels. For example, in chemiluminescent western blots, X-ray film is used to detect target proteins and requires the use of a darkroom. 

However, more modernized systems and methods rely on a digital charge-coupled device (CCD) imager to detect. Both modes of detection are commonly used, as each offers valuable benefits to the end-user.

When it comes to digital imaging, western blot and gel doc systems generally include advanced software which simplifies the research process by automatically acquiring the data, analyzing it, and validating it. This is extremely useful when dealing with the many nucleic acid and protein staining modes, including fluorescent, colorimetric, radioisotopic, and chemiluminescent. 

By digitizing the gels, you ensure the benefits of accurate sample quantification and simple, practical data storage. This process is even more straightforward as most of these systems are compatible with PC and Mac operating systems.

Western blot and gel imaging systems can simplify complicated research in the life sciences, allowing laboratories to leverage the images for a presentation or store them more conveniently. There are several types of systems used today. The general steps of western blotting are as follows:

First, the researcher must prepare the protein sample by mixing it with a detergent called sodium dodecyl sulfate, making the proteins unfold into linear chains and coating them with a negative charge.

Next, the protein molecules are separated according to their sizes using a method called gel electrophoresis. After separation has been completed, the proteins are transferred from the gel onto a blotting membrane, which holds all of the protein bands originally on the gel.

Afterwards, the membrane goes through a treatment called blocking. Blocking prevents any nonspecific reactions from occurring. The membrane is then incubated with the primary antibody, which specifically binds to the protein of interest.

Following incubation, any unbound primary antibody is washed away, and the membrane is incubated again; however, this time, it is incubated with a secondary antibody. This secondary antibody is used to recognize and bind to the primary antibody. This is because the secondary antibody is linked to a reporter enzyme that produces color or light, which allows it to be easily detected and imaged. 

By following these steps, researchers can cause a specific protein to be detected from among a mixture of proteins.

The various types of systems and films used in western blot and gel imaging are described below.

Whatever your imaging or gel electrophoresis needs, we can help. We offer comprehensive lease options and sale-leasebacks as well. 

Furthermore, if you require protein purification instrumentation to prepare your samples for western blot or other imaging techniques, we can help with that as well. Our lease program includes a wide variety of nucleic acid and protein extraction/purification instruments and systems.

Contact us today at (510) 982-6552 or fill out our contact form to specify your equipment requirements.

Operating Lease

This off-balance sheet financing structure provides three options at the end of the term. The lessee has the option to return the equipment to the lessor, renew at a discounted rate, or purchase the instrument for the fair market value. Monthly payments are also 100% tax deductible which yields additional monetary savings.

Sale-Leaseback

If you recently bought equipment, Excedr can offer you cash for your device and convert your purchase into a long-term rental. This is called a sale-leaseback. If you’ve paid for equipment within the last ninety days, we can help you recoup your investment and allow you to make low monthly payments. This also frees up money in your budget rather than tying it down to a fixed asset.