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 nitrocellulose/nylon membrane[2]. This improves visualisation of the protein of interest by reducing the background noise (binding of primary and/or secodary antibody to the membrane)[2][3]. Other potent blocking agents include nonfat dry milk, bovine serum albumin, casein and possibly nonfat soymilk[2].
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sigma-Aldrich (n.d). Tween 20. Available at:fckLRfckLRfckLRfckLRfckLRhttp://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:fckLRhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003269712002023. [Last accessed 20/11/13].
- ↑ Thermo Scientific. (n.d.). Overview of Western Blotting. Available at:fckLRfckLRhttp://www.piercenet.com/method/overview-western-blotting. [Last accessed 20/11/13].