Technical Considerations For Contemporary Western Blot Techniques

Western blotting continues to be a workhorse assay in laboratories throughout the world. The utility, low cost and accessibility of western blotting have allowed the technique to remain in practice, despite being developed over 40 years ago. Advances in antibody specificity, chemiluminescent formulations, properties of fluorescent molecules and imaging techniques provide gains in sensitivity, dynamic range, and ease of use. Here we discuss such aspects for the users' consideration when planning and executing western blots, to take full advantage of contemporary practices.