Specifications:
Application | molecular biology | ||
Storage Temperature | Ambient | ||
Product Type | Molecular Biology Reagent | Forms | Powder |
Product Brand | Thermo Fisher Scientific™, thermo Scientific | ||
Product Grade | Molecular Biology | Formula | C₃₂H₅₈N₂O₇S |
High-Purity Zwitterionic Detergent for Membrane Protein Solubilization and Electrophoresis Applications
Thermo Scientific™ CHAPS is a high-quality zwitterionic detergent specifically designed for the solubilization of membrane proteins while preserving their native conformation and biological activity. A sulfobetaine derivative of cholic acid, CHAPS combines the useful properties of both ionic and non-ionic detergents—offering effective cell lysis and protein solubilization without denaturing proteins.
This reagent is particularly valuable in isoelectric focusing (IEF) and 2D electrophoresis, where it minimizes protein aggregation and streaking across pH gradients. It is easily removed via dialysis due to its relatively high critical micelle concentration (CMC), making it suitable for downstream purification or functional assays.
Key Features & Benefits
- Zwitterionic Nature – Maintains native protein structure; suitable for sensitive receptors and enzymes
- Broad pH Stability (pH 2–12) – Effective across acidic and basic conditions
- Non-denaturing – Does not inactivate proteins or interfere with binding sites
- High CMC (8–10 mM) – Facilitates efficient dialysis post-solubilization
- Electrophoresis-Compatible – Ideal for IEF and 2D PAGE workflows; reduces protein streaking
- Receptor Solubilization – Proven in opiate, dopamine, and muscarinic receptor studies
- Water-Soluble – Forms clear solutions; stable at high temperatures (>100°C cloud point)
Applications
- Solubilization of membrane-bound receptors and enzymes
- Mild lysis of mammalian cell cultures
- Protein complex purification from tissue and microsomal fractions
- Electrophoresis workflows including IEF and 2D PAGE
- Used in neuroscience, pharmacology, and proteomics research
- Suitable for combination with non-ionic detergents like NP-40 for hybrid solubilization protocols
Technical Specifications
Attribute | Specification |
---|---|
Product Name | CHAPS Detergent |
Chemical Name | 3-[(3-Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate |
Molecular Weight | 614.88 g/mol |
Form | White powder |
Detergent Type | Zwitterionic |
CMC | 8–10 mM (0.49–0.62% w/v) |
Aggregation Number | 10 |
Micelle Molecular Weight | ~6149 g/mol |
Cloud Point | ≥100°C |
Solubility | 10% solution clear, colorless |
Purity | TLC: One major spot; IR-verified structure |
Storage Conditions | Room temperature |
Regulatory Use | For Research Use Only |
Comparative Analysis: CHAPS vs. NP-40 vs. Triton™ X-100
Property / Feature | CHAPS | NP-40 | Triton™ X-100 |
---|---|---|---|
Detergent Type | Zwitterionic | Non-ionic | Non-ionic |
Preserves Protein Activity | Yes | Partial | Partial |
CMC | 8–10 mM | ~0.3 mM | ~0.24 mM |
pH Stability Range | 2–12 | 6–8 (limited in acidic/basic) | 6–9 (less stable outside range) |
Dialyzability | Easy (high CMC) | Difficult (low CMC) | Difficult (low CMC) |
Use in IEF/2D PAGE | Excellent – reduces streaking | Poor – causes streaking in some pH ranges | Poor – interferes with IEF |
Solubilizes Membrane Proteins | Very Effective | Moderate | Moderate |
Application Examples | Receptor studies, IEF, functional purification | Cell lysis, immunoprecipitation | Solubilization, immunoassays |
Cloud Point | ≥100°C | ~45–50°C | ~63°C |
Recommended When | Protein function must be preserved | Routine membrane extraction | General protein solubilization |
Thermo Scientific™ CHAPS Detergent provides superior performance in applications that demand gentle yet effective membrane protein solubilization, making it especially valuable in proteomics and receptor biology. Unlike NP-40 and Triton X-100, CHAPS is non-denaturing, fully dialyzable, and supports downstream functional assays, making it the detergent of choice for researchers requiring intact protein function and high-resolution electrophoretic separation.
- Pack Size: 100g 5g