Western blotting is a technique that is often used in the purification, characterization, and identification of proteins. Performing a western blot involves separating proteins by gel electrophoresis and transferring the separated proteins to a blotting membrane. Once blotted, protein can then be detected either directly (using a labeled primary antibody) or indirectly (using a primary antibody and labeled secondary antibody).

Vector Laboratories supports your protein research by offering a wide range of reagents and kits for protein detection and analysis on western blots.

Step 1 Labeling

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Protein labeling 1600x1400 v1

Labeling

Label antibodies with biotin (for avidin/streptavidin-based detection), peroxidase (HRP; for enzymatic, chromogenic detection), or fluorescent compounds (for fluorescence detection). The choice of label depends on many factors, including the sensitivity desired and instrumentation available for detection. Vector offers a variety of reagents and kits for protein labeling, as well as a wide range of prelabeled secondary antibodies (see Detection).


Biotin and Digoxigenin Labeling Reagents

Step 2 Characterization

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Stylized graph 1600x1400 1

Characterization

Purify labeled antibodies and proteins using affinity chromatography with agarose-immobilized, Ig- or biotin-specific reagents.


Biotinylated Reagents


Magnetic Beads and Agarose

Step 3 Blocking

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western blotting 1600x1400 1

Blocking

Prior to immunological detection, block unoccupied binding sites on the blot to prevent nonspecific binding of the detection antibodies. Failure to do so can lead to high background.


Endogenous Biotin Blocking Kits


Autofluorescence Quencher


Western Blot Blocking Solutions

Step 4 Detection

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0px 0px;}.elementor-2688 .elementor-element.elementor-element-34d142dd{color:var( –e-global-color-919f07a );font-family:”Open Sans”, Sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:22px;}.elementor-2688 .elementor-element.elementor-element-34d142dd > .elementor-widget-container{padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;}.elementor-2688 .elementor-element.elementor-element-7c393f80 .elementor-button{font-family:”Open Sans”, Sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;text-transform:capitalize;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;line-height:1em;letter-spacing:0px;fill:#A229CE;color:#A229CE;background-color:#FFFFFF;border-style:solid;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-radius:3px 3px 3px 3px;padding:10px 80px 10px 80px;}.elementor-2688 .elementor-element.elementor-element-7c393f80 .elementor-button:hover, .elementor-2688 .elementor-element.elementor-element-7c393f80 .elementor-button:focus{color:#FFFFFF;background-color:var( –e-global-color-e46fa1f );border-color:#A229CE;}.elementor-2688 .elementor-element.elementor-element-7c393f80 .elementor-button:hover svg, .elementor-2688 .elementor-element.elementor-element-7c393f80 .elementor-button:focus svg{fill:#FFFFFF;}.elementor-2688 .elementor-element.elementor-element-dec0c59 .elementor-button{font-family:”Open Sans”, Sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;text-transform:capitalize;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;line-height:1em;letter-spacing:0px;fill:#A229CE;color:#A229CE;background-color:#FFFFFF;border-style:solid;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-radius:3px 3px 3px 3px;padding:10px 96px 10px 97px;}.elementor-2688 .elementor-element.elementor-element-dec0c59 .elementor-button:hover, .elementor-2688 .elementor-element.elementor-element-dec0c59 .elementor-button:focus{color:#FFFFFF;background-color:var( –e-global-color-e46fa1f );border-color:#A229CE;}.elementor-2688 .elementor-element.elementor-element-dec0c59 .elementor-button:hover svg, .elementor-2688 .elementor-element.elementor-element-dec0c59 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Fl antigen 1600px 1600x1400 2

Detection

Apply the labeled primary and/or secondary antibodies to the blot to detect the target protein. Choose from avidin/streptavidin-, enzyme-, or fluorescence-based detection methods and kits.


Fluorophore Conjugated Avidin/Streptavidin


Enzyme Conjugated Avidin/Streptavidin


ABC Kits for Western Blot Detection


Enzyme Polymers for Western Blot Detection

Step 5 Visualization

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Western blot fl1600x1400 1

Visualization

If using an enzymatic detection method, visualize the labeled antibody with an appropriate substrate for chromogenic or chemiluminescent/ chemifluorescent detection.


Enzyme Substrates