Merck, 75746-1KG, Sodium dodecyl sulfate

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is an organic sodium salt used as both a detergent and a protein denaturant in biochemical research. Its unique structure includes a long-chain aliphatic group with a negatively charged sulfate, making it an effective agent for denaturing proteins. This property is especially valuable in electrophoresis, a technique used to separate and analyze macromolecules like proteins. SDS, with its negative charge, interacts with proteins and lipids to create micellar structures, aiding in solubilizing and stabilizing these biomolecules.