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2D Western Blot
2D Western Blot
Rockland offers complete 2D Western blotting services in chemiluminescent or fluorescent format. 2D Western blotting is the standard procedure for determining HCP coverage for biopharmaceutical product approval. It combines total protein detection with the use of specific HCP antibodies in high-resolution imaging. 2D Western blots can also be used to visualize post-translational protein modifications such as phosphorylation using anti-phospho antibodies. Whether you need support in a complex HCP assay project or are only outsourcing 2D Western blots, you can be confident when you partner with Rockland.
HCP Coverage Analysis Using 2D Western Blot
A crucial prerequisite in the drug manufacturing process is an efficient analysis of Host Cell Protein (HCP) impurities that result from process-specific expression conditions as well as downstream purification procedures. Present guidelines call for minimum levels of HCP contaminants left behind during the purification process. To evaluate the presence of residual HCP contamination of the final biopharmaceutical product, polyclonal antibody development against null HCP material provides a valuable tool for detecting product impurities. Coverage assessment of the polyclonal antibody can be evaluated using 2D Western blots as outlined below.
2D Gel Electrophoresis
In the first step of a 2D Western blot, proteins are separated in two dimensions according to their isoelectric point (isoelectric focusing, IEF) and molecular weight (SDS-PAGE). This gel can be stained to visualize total protein and be available for differential analysis. It also allows individual spots to be cut directly from the gel for mass spectrometry studies.
Fig. In-gel protein stain of a 2D gel with CHO-HCP sample
2D Western Blot
After 2D gel electrophoresis, proteins are transferred to a PVDF membrane and stained with a combination of an anti-HCP antibody and a secondary antibody coupled to HRP or a fluorescent dye.
Fig. Immunostaining of a Western blot using an anti-CHO HCP antibody
Conventional Coverage Analysis
In a conventional coverage analysis, total protein from the in-gel stain is overlayed with the immunostained Western blot. The evaluation of the antibody coverage uses a combination of automated software and the expertise of our scientists.
Fig. HCP spot map using an overlay of the 2D in-gel stain and the 2D Western blot image
2D Differential In Blot Electrophoresis (2D-DIBE)
2D-DIBE utilizes a fluorescent multiplexing approach where the proteins and antibodies are tagged with different cyanine dyes. Total protein and antibody coverage can be analyzed on the same membrane. This method thereby bypasses the need for an alignment step (Gel to WB) leading to higher accuracy. Contact us if you want to learn more about 2D-DIBE.
Fig. In-blot total protein (Cy3™-labeled: green) merged to anti-CHO HCP detection (Cy5™-labeled: red). The yellow color indicates coverage.
Method Comparison
| ELISA | 2D Western blot | 2D-DIBE | |
| HCP detection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| HCP coverage evaluation | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rapid turnaround | ✓ | - | - |
| Gel staining | - | Coomassie, fluorescent, silver | Not needed |
| Immunodetection method | Chromogenic, fluorescent, chemiluminescent | Chromogenic, fluorescent, chemiluminescent | Fluorescent |
| PTM detection | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Total protein and target detection on the same membrane | - | - | ✓ |
| WB and Gel alignment needed | - | ✓ | - |
| Accuracy | +++ | ++ | +++ |
Interested in 2D Western Blot Services?
We can help move your program forward—contact us to find out how.