Igepal

Igepal refers to a family of nonionic surfactants used in laboratory settings, commonly employed for cell lysis, protein solubilization, and various molecular biology workflows. The name covers several products, including Igepal CA-630, which are polyoxyethylene ether derivatives of alkylphenols. These are typically formed by ethoxylating an alkylphenol, producing a mixture that acts as a mild detergent in aqueous solutions.

Chemically, Igepal compounds are nonionic surfactants. They consist of a hydrophobic alkylphenyl group linked to a polyoxyethylene chain, which confers water solubility and the ability to solubilize membrane components. They form micelles above certain concentrations and are generally less harsh than ionic detergents, helping to preserve protein functionality in some protocols. In the laboratory, Igepal is used at low micromolar to low percent (weight/volume) concentrations, depending on the application.

Applications and use include opening of cell membranes to release intracellular contents for DNA or protein extraction, soft lysis of cultured cells, and the solubilization of membrane proteins for biochemical analyses. Igepal is often chosen as an alternative to harsher detergents like SDS or to older agents such as Nonidet P-40 (NP-40) when milder lysis is required. It is also used in some immunoprecipitation and purification protocols where gentle solubilization is advantageous.

Safety and environmental notes include standard laboratory handling precautions, as with other detergents. Some formulations may contain impurities such as 4-nonylphenol, an environmental contaminant, so proper disposal and monitoring are advised. Users should consult the material safety data sheet for specific product properties and regulatory guidance.

See also: Nonidet P-40, Triton X-100, cell lysis detergents.