OVERVIEW

Triton X-100 is a non-ionic, mild, non-denaturing detergent, used for solubilizing cell membrane, without denaturing proteins. It is often used in immunochemistry (immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry) analysis to permeabilize cell membrane that helps antibodies to enter and reach internal cell structure. 

Triton X-100 is a highly viscous liquid. Accurately transferring a right volume of Triton X-100 is difficult due to its viscous nature, therefore, a 20% solution of Triton X-100 can be prepared. 

REQUIREMENTS

Reagents and solution
Triton X-100
Deionized water

Equipment and disposables
250 ml bottle (Duran® laboratory bottles, Sigmaaldrich, #Z305170)
Magnetic stirrer

COMPOSITION

20% Triton x-100 in water

OBJECTIVE

Preparation of 100 ml of  20% Triton X-100 in water

PROCEDURE

Use appropriate personal protective equipment (lab coat, gloves, goggles, etc) for your safety and follow the guidelines of your institute.

Step 1: Weigh out 21.4 g of Triton X-100 in a 250 ml bottle.

Note:
The density of Triton X-100 is 1.07 g/ml. This means that 1 ml of Triton X-100 weighs 1.07 gram and 20 ml will weigh 21.4 grams.

Step 2: Add 80 ml water and mix using a magnetic stirrer until you see a clear transparent homogeneous liquid.

Note:
Unlike Tween-20, Triton X-100 does not dissolve readily in water. 

STORAGE

A 20% Triton X-100 solution can be stored at room temperature.