The method by which protein researchers identify specific proteins in complex mixtures has changed little in 40 years. After sorting and tagging samples with a technique called western blotting, they visualize proteins of interest using X-ray film in a darkroom. Advances in digital imaging technology have led to a better way. Christoph Hergersberg explains how the Invitrogen iBright Imaging Systems can dramatically simplify and improve the process.
How does iBright’s workflow differ from traditional approaches for western blot image capture?
Because iBright Imaging Systems are all-in-one platforms, they leave out the step of developing film, and you get results right away. It saves users up to an hour, provides a more direct measurement of the western blot, and you don’t need a darkroom. The iBright Imaging Systems can sit on a lab bench anywhere.
Can the system be used for more than western blotting?
Absolutely. iBright Imaging Systems can also image fluorescent and colorimetric protein gels and fluorescent nucleic acid gels. They are very versatile.
How does the image quality of iBright’s digital camera compare to that of pictures taken on traditional X-ray film?
It’s much better. X-ray imaging is really an analogue system, which you have to digitize, lowering resolution. iBright cuts out steps, both in detection and workflow. Because it’s digital, it’s very easy to capture the image and have it ready to be edited and analyzed immediately. The system comes with cloud connectivity for secure data storage and advanced cloud-based software for data analysis. Plus, it offers mechanical adjustment of the gel or blot orientation. You just place the gel or blot in the sample drawer and then the instrument adjusts the sample to perfectly line up with the camera. This further ensures optimal quality of the image with the system’s 9.1 megapixel camera.
How does iBright’s Smart Exposure technology work?
It involves an algorithm that automatically calculates the optimal exposure time, making it easy for anyone to walk up to the machine and get a great shot of their gel or western blot. Users can still do this manually, but the technology is so advanced that the quality of the image one gets using Smart Exposure is as good or better as if you manually optimized the exposure time. It is designed to take work off the user.
What kind of feedback have you received from iBright users?
The feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Researchers say that it’s fast and easy to use, produces sharp and clear images, and has a great sensitivity for acquiring high-quality results. Many seem to love the fact that the iBright can export publication-quality images straight to the Thermo Fisher Cloud that they can then access from anywhere. One researcher described it as an “indispensable instrument in the lab”, which is pretty nice to hear.
Why do you offer two different models of iBright systems, and what’s the difference?
There is a transition to scientists using fluorescent western blotting techniques with multiplex detection, but a lot of researchers still mostly rely on chemiluminescent western blotting. We realize that our customers have varied needs, and we want to address them appropriately. So, for those who just want chemiluminescent detection, there’s the CL1000 model, which also does protein and DNA gel imaging. And for those whose work is centered on fluorescent western blotting, we have the higher-end FL1000 — which does everything the CL1000 can do, but adds fluorescent blot imaging capability, because of its more sophisticated detection technology.
What kind of service and support does Thermo Fisher Scientific provide to iBright users?
The most important thing for us is that the instrument can be used straight out of the box. But, if anything does go wrong, we have both remote support and on-site support available. We also offer demonstrations in the lab, content on our website that can take the customer step by step through a chemiluminescent or fluorescent western blot analysis, plus webinars that give more detail on specific applications. For example, there’s a webinar called ‘Light up your western blots: fluorescent western blotting tips, tricks & more’ that will be offered on September 18 as part of our 7 Steps of Protein virtual event.