Triton® X-100

Triton® X 100 is a non-ionic, non-denaturing mild detergent with a bulky non-polar head group. In biochemical applications, Triton® X 100 is used to control protein crystallization, to prevent non-specific binding in affinity purification and in immunoassay procedures and as an additive in electrophoresis buffers. In cell culture, Triton® X 100 is used for multiple applications such as lysis of cells and intracellular organelles, solubilization of membrane proteins and lipids, and membrane permeabilization during transfection procedures. It is used typically at a concentration of 0.1% to 0.5% for lysing cells. Although Triton® X 100 is considered as a mild detergent, it can be cytotoxic to cells if used in excess amount or, if cells are exposed to it for prolonged duration. Toxicity of Triton® X-100 is attributed to disrupting action of its polar head group on hydrogen bonding present within the cell’s lipid bilayer.