What is a western blot immunoassay?

Question

Emma Arvizu · Accepted Answer

The western blot ( protein immunoblot ) is a widely used analytical technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample of tissue homogenate or extract.

The essential components needed to complete this task are: Western blots are ideally suited for assessing protein expression levels in cells and tracking fractions during protein purification because they can detect the presence of a particular protein with clarity, both by size and through the binding of an antibody. Western blots are frequently used in conjunction with other important antibody-based detection methods, like ELISA or immunohistochemistry.

Jeremiah Allen · Answer

undefined A Western blot immunoassay is a laboratory technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample of tissue or cell lysate. It involves several steps, including protein separation by gel electrophoresis, transfer of proteins from the gel to a membrane, blocking to prevent nonspecific binding, incubation with primary antibody targeting the protein of interest, washing to remove unbound antibodies, incubation with a secondary antibody conjugated to a detectable marker, and visualization of the protein bands using appropriate detection methods. This technique is widely used in molecular biology and biochemistry research to analyze protein expression levels and identify specific proteins within complex mixtures.