western blot - (Nov/08/2010 )

does anybody know what are the disadvantages of Western Blot?

Would be helpful to precise your question. Disadvantages of Western in comparison to what technique?

ELISA and Immunoprecipitation.

ELISA is better for quantification. Protein of Interest is better purified by IP. For sure, thats not complete answer to your question. May you tell us a little bit more about goal of your experiment.

ksturm on Mon Nov 8 18:57:43 2010 said:

I agree with the above. I think western blotting is cheaper though and easier to do in theory.
However, western blotting is more finicky.. Its one of the techniques that requires a special touch if you are probing for something that is in low quantities or if you are using a not very reliable antibody.

ELISA are quicker from my experience and more reliable for quantifying.
You can quantify relative amounts using western blot though.