Select a link below to access Protocols for Western Blotting.

• Western Blotting Using BioTrace™ NT Nitrocellulose Transfer Membrane (3.1.2)
• Western Blotting Using FluoroTrans® and BioTrace PVDF Membranes (3.1.3)

Introduction
Membranes have been standard tools in molecular biology laboratories since the 1970s, when it was discovered that biomolecules could be spotted directly onto membranes (spot ELISA or DNA dot blots) or transferred from gels (Southerns, Northerns, Westerns).

The first membranes used for molecular detection were made from nitrocellulose, which has high affinity for biomolecules and low background with many detection techniques. PVDF membranes were found to have higher affinity for proteins than nitrocellulose and are now favored in Western transfers, although nitrocellulose remains in widespread use.

Pall Corporation manufactures membranes made from nitrocellulose, nylon, and PVDF for molecular detection applications.

Nitrocellulose, Nylon, and PVDF Membranes

Membranes and Devices for Use in Transfer and Immobilization Procedures

Select a link below to access Protocols for Affinity Activated or Activatable Membranes.

• Covalent Protein Immobilization Using UltraBind™ Affinity Membrane (3.2.2)
• ELISA Assays Using Immunodyne® ABC Membranes (3.2.3)
• ELISA and Immunoassay Using AcroWell™ 96 Multi-Well Filter Plates with BioTrace PVDF and NT Membranes (3.2.4)
• ELISA and Immunoassay Using AcroWell 96 Multi-Well Filter Plates with Chemiluminescent (DELFIA) Detection (3.2.5)
• Activation Protocol for Biodyne® C Membrane for Subsequent Covalent Linking of Ligands (3.2.6)

Introduction
Membranes have been standard tools in molecular biology laboratories since the 1970s, when it was discovered that biomolecules could be spotted directly onto membranes (spot ELISA or DNA dot blots) or transferred from gels (Southerns, Northerns, Westerns).

Pall Corporation manufactures membranes made from nitrocellulose, nylon, and PVDF for molecular detection applications. Pall offers several activated membranes for covalent protein binding. Ultrabind modified polyethersulfone membrane has a high ratio of covalent to non-covalent protein binding. Immunodyne ABC membrane offers the sharp spot geometry of nylon with a proprietary covalent attachment chemistry.

See the Membrane Quick Selection Guide in the above section for further information.

See the table in the above section for Membranes and Devices for Use in Transfer and Immobilization Procedures.