Mass photometry characterizes samples containing detergents

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Membrane protein extraction and solubilization

Membrane proteins fulfill vital biological roles, representing a significant portion of potential therapeutical targets for a variety of diseases. As studying their native behavior is important, detergents and other membrane mimetics can be used for membrane protein solubilization prior to functional or structural studies.

Detergents are widely used for membrane protein extraction and throughout the protein purification process – detergents can also act as membrane mimetics for membrane protein solubilization. However, their presence in samples can interferes with some analytical techniques.

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Characterizing membrane protein samples that include detergents

Mass photometry can measure samples containing detergents, eliminating the need for complete detergent removal. It works with a wide range of buffers, including those used for membrane protein extraction and solubilization.

As measurements take less than 5 minutes and readily detect protein aggregation, it is easy to characterize membrane protein samples. Moreover, mass photometry can detect detergent micelles, which makes it possible to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of detergents under different conditions

To learn how mass photometry interacts with commonly used detergents

Mass photometry with detergents

Cover app note detergents
This application note will show you how to take and interpret mass photometry measurements of samples containing detergents. You will also learn how to perform quick dilutions prior to measurement to minimize detergent noise in your samples after membrane protein extraction. This application note reports the CMC values of common detergents as measured with mass photometry. It also shows data comparing soluble and aggregated protein samples to demonstrate how mass photometry can quickly evaluate membrane protein solubilization.

For more information on analyzing membrane proteins with mass photometry

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