Non-ionic Detergents

Non-ionic detergents, exemplified by Triton and Tween, form another vital category in membrane protein studies. These detergents lack charged groups in their head regions, making them milder compared to their ionic counterparts. Their mild solubilizing capabilities are particularly advantageous in extracting membrane proteins while maintaining their native conformation. Triton, for instance, is valued for its ability to disrupt lipid-protein interactions without compromising protein structure. Non-ionic detergents are versatile and find applications in various analytical procedures where preserving native protein conformation is paramount.