In the fast-paced world of biomedical research, consistency, efficiency, and reproducibility are non-negotiables. Yet, the complexity and labor intensity of many laboratory techniques continue to be barriers to productivity. Precision Biosystems, a company founded in 2007 by a team of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, emerged to solve precisely this problem. Their mission: to develop innovative instruments that automate tedious and time-consuming lab processes, thereby accelerating scientific discovery and freeing researchers to focus on the work that matters most.
At the heart of Precision Biosystems’ innovations lies one of the most notoriously challenging lab protocols to automate—Western blotting. This complex technique is essential for detecting specific proteins in a sample but involves numerous manual steps that can lead to inconsistency and human error. Recognizing the need for greater precision and reproducibility, the company introduced its flagship product, the BlotCycler™, after more than three years of development. Using a patented fluid distribution technology, the BlotCycler became the first instrument to fully automate all post-transfer steps of the Western blot process.
Automating Complexity: The BlotCycler™ Breakthrough
The BlotCycler automates blocking, hybridization, antibody incubation, washing, and even recycling of primary antibodies. By removing manual intervention from these stages, the system ensures repeatable, standardized results while significantly reducing experimental variability. The design allows researchers to process up to 24 blots simultaneously, using standard reagents and customizable protocols. With this level of automation, labs not only save time but also lower costs through more efficient reagent use—especially critical for expensive primary antibodies.
What sets the BlotCycler apart is not just its capacity but its flexibility. Users can program up to 300 protocol steps with adjustable parameters like incubation time, shaking intensity, and temperature. Some models even allow simultaneous processing of membranes using six different primary and six different secondary antibodies—ideal for complex experiments. The built-in cleaning system, compact footprint (using less than 12″ of bench space), and plug-and-play setup make it a user-friendly solution for any lab environment.
Mini and Touch Models: Enhancing Flexibility and Workflow Integration
Precision Biosystems didn’t stop with a single model. The BlotCycler™ Mini and BlotCycler™ Touch were developed to meet the specific needs of labs with different throughput requirements and preferences in user interface. Both models inherit the core strengths of the original BlotCycler—complete automation, reproducibility, and efficient use of reagents—while offering enhanced usability.
The BlotCycler Touch, for example, features a more intuitive interface and expanded memory capacity for storing complex protocols. Meanwhile, the Mini model offers the same automated precision in a more compact and affordable format, ideal for labs with limited space or budget. Regardless of the model, the core value remains: transforming Western blotting from a manual, error-prone process into a streamlined and standardized workflow.
Global Reach, Patent Power, and Industry Impact
The global adoption of Precision Biosystems’ products speaks volumes about their impact. Used by over 700 institutions across 42 countries, including industry giants like Pfizer, Novartis, and Biogen, as well as leading universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, the BlotCycler is a trusted tool in the world’s top laboratories. Even anti-doping agencies and clinical research teams rely on the technology for consistent, high-quality results.
With four patents granted and more pending, Precision Biosystems has carved a unique niche in automated immunodetection. Their innovations are frequently cited in major scientific journals, such as Science and the Journal of Cardiac Surgery, further cementing the BlotCycler’s reputation as a gold standard in protein analysis.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Despite its clear benefits, introducing automation to a process that has remained unchanged for over 30 years wasn’t easy. Convincing scientists to shift from manual protocols to automated systems was a major hurdle. As the company admits, many researchers were initially skeptical. However, through persistent outreach, demonstrations, and data-backed evidence, Precision Biosystems has steadily won over the scientific community. Labs that once hesitated to adopt automation are now advocates, appreciating the enhanced signal strength, reduced background noise, and sheer convenience the BlotCycler provides.
Precision BiosystemMeets Flexibility: Reducing Variability and Enhancing Results
One of the key scientific benefits of automation is the dramatic reduction in variability. Manual Western blotting is susceptible to subtle differences in timing, fluid delivery, and washing techniques—all of which can skew results. The BlotCycler eliminates these variables by standardizing each step, ensuring consistent and reproducible outcomes. Interestingly, automation combined with overnight antibody incubation at low temperatures (e.g., 4°C) has shown significant improvement in sensitivity and signal clarity. This kind of optimization would be nearly impossible to maintain manually, underscoring the advantages of an automated system.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Precision Biosystems is expanding beyond Western blotting. The company is developing a next-generation system that will automate the entire workflow—from sample preparation to protein separation, detection, and result interpretation—leveraging smart automation and AI-driven analytics. They also plan to release enhancements for existing BlotCycler models to further refine performance and user experience.
In addition, the company is exploring automation in other routine laboratory practices, with a particular focus on sample preparation. Although still in the early stages, these efforts reflect the founders’ relentless drive to reimagine the lab of the future—one where automation handles the grunt work, and human ingenuity drives innovation.
The Minds Behind the Machine
The founders of Precision Biosystems combine deep scientific expertise with entrepreneurial spirit. Their vision is not just to create machines, but to fundamentally transform how laboratories function—minimizing human labor on repetitive tasks and enabling researchers to focus on what machines can’t replicate: creativity, insight, and discovery.
In an age where speed and precision define the pace of scientific progress, Precision Biosystems is not just keeping up—they’re setting the tempo.
“Our main mission is to help you automate difficult and time-consuming tasks in your laboratory. To achieve this, we provide low-maintenance, cost-effective laboratory instruments that yield high-quality results.”
