The use of detergents to purify membrane proteins.

Extraction of membrane proteins from biological membranes is usually accomplished with the help of detergents. This unit describes the use of detergents to solubilize and purify membrane proteins. The chemical and physical properties of the different classes of detergents typically used with biological samples are discussed. A separate section addresses the compatibility of detergents with applications downstream of the membrane protein purification process, such as optical spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, protein crystallography, or biomolecular NMR. Protocols in this unit include the isolation and solubilization of biological membranes, phase separation, and support protocols for detergent removal and detergent exchange using different methods. Copyright 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.