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Detergent Purification of Membrane Proteins

Detergent Purification of Membrane Proteins

Detergents are used to purify the integral proteins of the membrane. The hydrophobic portion of the detergent can replace membrane phospholipids while solubilizing the membrane proteins. When detergent monomers reach a specific concentration in a solution called critical micelle concentration (CMC), they form micelles. Above CMC, the concentration of the detergent monomers remains in equilibrium with the micelle. The number of detergent monomers present in the CMC varies for each detergent, and...

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Updated: May 7, 2026

From Constructs to Crystals – Towards Structure Determination of β-barrel Outer Membrane Proteins

From Constructs to Crystals – Towards Structure Determination of β-barrel Outer Membrane Proteins

Published on: July 4, 2016

Detergent quantification in membrane protein samples and its application to crystallization experiments.

Chelsy C Prince¹, Zongchao Jia

¹Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.

|October 10, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Accurately measuring detergent concentration is crucial for membrane protein studies. This review covers various methods to determine detergent levels, aiding researchers in selecting the best technique for their experiments.

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Crystallization of Membrane Proteins in Lipidic Mesophases

Crystallization of Membrane Proteins in Lipidic Mesophases

Published on: March 28, 2011

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Last Updated: May 7, 2026

From Constructs to Crystals – Towards Structure Determination of β-barrel Outer Membrane Proteins

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Crystallization of Membrane Proteins in Lipidic Mesophases

Crystallization of Membrane Proteins in Lipidic Mesophases

Published on: March 28, 2011

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Structural Biology
Analytical Chemistry

Background:

Membrane protein structural characterization is challenging due to the need for stabilizing detergents.
Selecting appropriate detergents and their concentrations is vital for protein solubility, stability, and experimental success.
Detergent concentration critically impacts membrane protein crystallography and crystal growth.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and discuss various techniques for measuring detergent concentration in membrane protein samples.
To provide a resource for researchers to select optimal detergent quantification strategies.
To highlight methods suitable for different experimental requirements and available instrumentation.

Main Methods:

Summary of colorimetric assays targeting specific detergent classes.
Overview of analytical techniques applicable to a broad range of detergents.
Discussion of strategies for detergent concentration measurement in membrane protein research.

Main Results:

Multiple techniques for detergent concentration measurement have been developed.
Methods vary in specificity, ranging from class-specific colorimetric reactions to broad-spectrum analytical approaches.
The choice of method depends on experimental needs and available equipment.

Conclusions:

Accurate detergent concentration measurement is essential for successful membrane protein studies.
A diverse array of methods exists, catering to various research needs.
This review serves as a guide for selecting appropriate detergent quantification techniques.