MEGA-8 (ultrapure)

C₁₅H₃₁NO₆

The phospholipid bilayer is the basic structure of the cell membrane. In membrane biochemistry research, membrane proteins are solubilized and purified to study their structure and function. Proteins bound to cell membranes have hydrophobic sites buried within the phospholipid bilayers and hydrophilic sites facing toward the water layer. Detergents are used to isolate large insoluble molecules such as proteins. Detergents interact with the hydrophobic sites of proteins, which are then solubilized in the water layer, thus separating membrane proteins. It is important to choose a detergent that does not disrupt the bioactivities of target proteins.

A detergent requires the following characteristics to be suitable for isolation of membrane proteins: Sufficient protein solubilization capability. | No denaturing or inactivation of proteins. | No interference with protein activities. | No precipitation at 4°C. | Appropriate critical micelle concentrations (CMC) and micelle size. | No absorption in the UV region. | No toxicity. | Availability of detergent detection methods. | Non-ionic detergent if ion exchange chromatography is used.