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Oxyethylene chain-cation complexation: nonionic polyoxyethylene detergents attain a positive charge and demonstrate
H Hägerstrand1, J Bobacka, M Bobrowska-Hägerstrand
1Department of Biology, Abo Akademi University, Abo/Turku, Finland.
Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters
|September 7, 2001
Summary
Nonionic polyoxyethylene detergents, such as Triton X-100, can develop a positive charge through interactions with cations. This charge explains their shape-altering effects on human red blood cells (erythrocytes).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Nonionic polyoxyethylene detergents are widely used in biological research.
- Their interaction with cell membranes is not fully understood.
- Triton X-100 and C12E8 are common examples of these detergents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the charge characteristics of polyoxyethylene detergents.
- To explain the stomatocytogenic effect of these detergents on human erythrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Literature data review on polyoxyethylene detergent properties.
- Analysis of dipole-ion interactions.
- Correlation of detergent charge with erythrocyte shape changes.
Main Results:
- Polyoxyethylene chains attract cations via dipole-ion interactions, acquiring a positive charge.
- This positive charge character of Triton X-100 and C12E8 explains their effect on erythrocyte shape.
- The interaction is electrostatic with phospholipid head groups.
Conclusions:
- Nonionic polyoxyethylene detergents possess a positive charge character.
- This charge is responsible for the observed stomatocytogenic effect in human erythrocytes.
- Electrostatic interactions play a key role in detergent-cell membrane dynamics.