Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SDS, SLS): A Versatile Surfactant with Diverse Applications

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SDS, SLS) 

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SDS), also known as Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SLS), is an anionic surfactant commonly used in a wide range of applications, including detergents, personal care products, and laboratory reagents. In the laboratory, SDS is particularly valuable for its ability to solubilize proteins and denature them, making it an essential tool in protein analysis and purification techniques.

Properties and Structure

SDS is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a slight odor. It is a highly soluble compound, readily dissolving in water and forming micelles, which are spherical aggregates of surfactant molecules. The micelles formed by SDS have a hydrophilic (water-loving) outer shell and a hydrophobic (water-fearing) inner core. This unique structure allows SDS to interact with both polar and nonpolar molecules, making it an effective detergent for solubilizing a variety of substances, including proteins.

Applications in Protein Analysis

SDS plays a crucial role in various protein analysis techniques, including:

1. Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE): SDS-PAGE is a widely used method for separating proteins based on their molecular weight. SDS binds to proteins, coating them with a uniform negative charge. When applied to an electric field, the negatively charged proteins migrate through a polyacrylamide gel, separating based on their size.
2. Protein Denaturation: SDS effectively denatures proteins, disrupting their secondary and tertiary structures. This denaturation process unfolds the protein, allowing for its solubilization and separation in techniques like SDS-PAGE.
3. Protein Solubilization: SDS is an effective detergent for solubilizing membrane proteins, which are typically embedded in the lipid bilayer of cell membranes. SDS can disrupt the hydrophobic interactions between the protein and the lipid bilayer, allowing the protein to be extracted and studied.
4. Protein Purification: SDS can be used to purify proteins by selectively solubilizing the desired protein while leaving other cellular components insoluble. This selective solubilization facilitates the isolation of the target protein.

SDS Extra Pure AR, ACS

SDS Extra Pure AR, ACS, 99% is a high-purity grade of SDS suitable for use in analytical and research applications. It is characterized by its high purity (>99%) and low levels of impurities, ensuring minimal interference with experimental results.