SDS protein interactions

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is one of the most widely used detergents. Here, we discuss current knowledge regarding applications of SDS and its modes of interaction with proteins, particularly at low concentrations. SDS at 1-2 %, which is well above the critical micelle concentration, is commonly used to extract fully denatured and dissociated proteins and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in various applications, especially proteomics. In contrast, low concentration SDS may have been relatively underutilized. Here, we demonstrate the use of 0.1 % SDS for decellularization and protein fractionation. Why is 0.1 % SDS unique? The interaction between SDS and proteins is complex and depends on both the conditions and the proteins involved. At 0.1 %, the effects of SDS appear to be intermediate between negligible and extensive binding, highlighting its potential for novel applications. Two milder anionic detergents, Sarkosyl and sodium N-lauroyglutamate, whose effects are similar in certain applications to those of low concentration SDS, were briefly discussed.