Efficient Use of SDS Derivatives in the Field of Biochemistry

Gel electrophoresis and gel chromatography in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) are now widely used in the field of biochemistry for separation and analysis of proteins. Replacement of the sodium of SDS by lithium allows efficient separation of protein polypeptides in denatured state at 0°C. On the other hand, the replacement by Tris and several alkanolamines allows electrophoresis and gel chromatography at a temperature near 0°C of proteins retaining their native states. Derivatives of SDS having oligo (oxyethylene) chain between the dodecyl and sulfate groups are also promising as mild surfactants which can be used for the same purpose as above.