Tween 20
Tween 20 is a transparent viscous liquid that is commonly used in Molecular Biology as a potent nonionic detergent, emulsifier and as a blocking agent in immunoassays, such as Western Blotting [1]. Other uses of Tween 20 include expulsion of membrane peripheral proteins and lysis of mammalian cells[1].
Particularly is Western Blotting, Tween 20 is used to decrease the possibility of unspecific binding of proteins (such as immunoassays) onto the membrane[2]. This reduces the hinderance imposed on the target protein of interest by reducing the background noise (unnecessary binding)[2]. Other potent blocking agents include nonfat soymilk, bovine serum albumin and casein[2].
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sigma-Aldrich (n.d). Tween 20.fckLRfckLRfckLRhttp://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/product/sigma/p9416?lang=en&region=GB. [Last accessed 20/11/13].
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Galva, C., Gatto, C., Milanick, M. (2012). Soymilk: An effective and inexpensive blocking agent for immunoblotting. Available at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003269712002023. [Last accessed 20/11/13].