Triton X-100 (Polyoxyethylene Octylphenyl Ether)

£105.11

Triton X-100 (Polyoxyethylene Octylphenyl Ether) is a non-ionic surfactant commonly used in various laboratory and industrial applications. Its unique properties, such as low toxicity, high biodegradability, and excellent solubility in water, make it an ideal choice for emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting agents. In biochemical research, Triton X-100 is often employed as a detergent to solubilize and extract proteins from cell membranes, allowing for the study of their structure and function. Its mild nature and ability to preserve protein activity make it a preferred choice for protein purification and characterization. In addition to its role in biochemistry, Triton X-100 has numerous applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and cleaning products. Its ability to reduce surface tension and create stable emulsions makes it an effective ingredient in the formulation of creams, lotions, and other personal care products. Furthermore, Triton X-100 is used as an additive in cleaning solutions, enhancing their ability to remove grease and grime from surfaces. Its low environmental impact and biodegradability also make it an attractive alternative to other surfactants in industrial cleaning applications. Overall, Triton X-100 is a versatile and widely used surfactant that plays a critical role in various scientific and industrial applications, offering a unique combination of performance, safety, and environmental sustainability.

Description

Triton X-100, also known as polyoxyethylene octylphenyl ether, is a nonionic surfactant widely used in various scientific and industrial applications. Its chemical structure comprises a hydrophobic octylphenyl group and a hydrophilic polyethylene oxide chain, which allows it to effectively reduce surface tension and solubilize hydrophobic compounds in aqueous solutions. This property makes Triton X-100 invaluable in fields such as biochemistry and molecular biology, where it serves as a detergent for cell lysis, protein solubilization, and membrane disruption.

In research laboratories, Triton X-100 is often employed in the preparation of samples for techniques such as immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy, where it helps permeabilize cell membranes, facilitating the entry of antibodies and dyes. Additionally, its effectiveness as a stabilizing agent means it is used in formulations for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, contributing to the uniform distribution of active ingredients in various products. While it offers numerous advantages, researchers must also consider Triton X-100’s potential environmental impacts and toxicity, leading to ongoing investigations into more sustainable surfactants. Overall, Triton X-100 remains a critical component in many laboratory protocols and industrial applications due to its unique surfactant properties.