Octyl glucoside
Encyclopedia
Octyl glucoside is a detergent
frequently used to dissolve integral membrane protein
s for studies in biochemistry
. Like Genapol X-100 and Triton X-100, it is a nonphysiological amphiphile that makes lipid bilayer
s less "stiff".
It has become one of the most important detergents for purification of membrane proteins because it can readily be removed from final protein extracts. Above its critical micelle concentration of 0.7%, it was noted as the best detergent for improving selectivity of immunoprecipitation
of phosphotyrosine modified proteins.
The compound gained popularity with researchers following the publication of an improved synthesis in 1978. However, in 1990 the cost remained prohibitive for large-scale protein isolation.
Octyl glucoside has been proposed as a conditioning agent to prevent microbial colonization of contact lens
es, due to its ability to lower the hydrophobicity of contact lenses and prevent adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
.
Detergent
A detergent is a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants with "cleaning properties in dilute solutions." In common usage, "detergent" refers to alkylbenzenesulfonates, a family of compounds that are similar to soap but are less affected by hard water...
frequently used to dissolve integral membrane protein
Integral membrane protein
An integral membrane protein is a protein molecule that is permanently attached to the biological membrane. Proteins that cross the membrane are surrounded by "annular" lipids, which are defined as lipids that are in direct contact with a membrane protein...
s for studies in biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes in living organisms, including, but not limited to, living matter. Biochemistry governs all living organisms and living processes...
. Like Genapol X-100 and Triton X-100, it is a nonphysiological amphiphile that makes lipid bilayer
Lipid bilayer
The lipid bilayer is a thin membrane made of two layers of lipid molecules. These membranes are flat sheets that form a continuous barrier around cells. The cell membrane of almost all living organisms and many viruses are made of a lipid bilayer, as are the membranes surrounding the cell nucleus...
s less "stiff".
It has become one of the most important detergents for purification of membrane proteins because it can readily be removed from final protein extracts. Above its critical micelle concentration of 0.7%, it was noted as the best detergent for improving selectivity of immunoprecipitation
Immunoprecipitation
Immunoprecipitation is the technique of precipitating a protein antigen out of solution using an antibody that specifically binds to that particular protein. This process can be used to isolate and concentrate a particular protein from a sample containing many thousands of different proteins...
of phosphotyrosine modified proteins.
The compound gained popularity with researchers following the publication of an improved synthesis in 1978. However, in 1990 the cost remained prohibitive for large-scale protein isolation.
Octyl glucoside has been proposed as a conditioning agent to prevent microbial colonization of contact lens
Contact lens
A contact lens, or simply contact, is a lens placed on the eye. They are considered medical devices and can be worn to correct vision, for cosmetic or therapeutic reasons. In 2004, it was estimated that 125 million people use contact lenses worldwide, including 28 to 38 million in the United...
es, due to its ability to lower the hydrophobicity of contact lenses and prevent adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of thirty-three known species belonging to the genus Staphylococcus. It is part of human skin flora, and consequently part of human flora. It can also be found in the mucous membranes and in animals. Due to contamination, it is probably the most common species...
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium that can cause disease in animals, including humans. It is found in soil, water, skin flora, and most man-made environments throughout the world. It thrives not only in normal atmospheres, but also in hypoxic atmospheres, and has, thus, colonized many...
.