CHAPS 98% Ultra Pure Grade

Description

CHAPS is a non-denaturing, zwitterionic sulfobetaine detergent widely used to solubilize membrane proteins while preserving their native conformation and activity. It combines the properties of bile-acid and sulfobetaine-type detergents, making it effective at dissolving membrane-bound proteins and disrupting protein–protein interactions without the denaturation associated with ionic detergents.

Biofargo's CHAPS is supplied at 98% Ultra Pure Grade, tested to meet low metal content specifications — suitable for demanding biochemical, proteomic, and electrophoretic workflows.

A key practical advantage of CHAPS is its small micellar molecular weight (~6,150 Da) and high critical micelle concentration (6–10 mM), which allow it to be removed from samples by dialysis. This makes CHAPS especially well suited to protein purification, isoelectric focusing (IEF), and 2D electrophoresis where detergent removal is required for downstream analysis.

CHAPS is commonly used for non-denaturing (urea-free) IEF and gives excellent resolution of subcellular preparations and plant proteins. Typical working concentrations are 1–4% (w/v). A widely used IEF sample solution consists of 8 M urea, 4% CHAPS, 50–100 mM DTT, and 40 mM Tris.

Specifications

FAQ

• What is CHAPS used for?

  CHAPS is a zwitterionic detergent used primarily to solubilize membrane proteins without denaturing them. It is also used to disrupt protein–protein interactions, and to prepare samples for isoelectric focusing (IEF) and 2D electrophoresis. Because it preserves native protein structure, it is preferred when downstream assays require functional, correctly folded protein.

• How do I remove CHAPS from a protein sample?

  CHAPS has a high critical micelle concentration (6–10 mM) and a small micelle size (~6,150 Da), which means it can be removed from samples by dialysis or gel filtration — unlike low-CMC detergents that are difficult to remove. This is one of the main reasons CHAPS is chosen for purification workflows and for IEF/2D electrophoresis, where residual detergent would interfere with results.

• Does CHAPS denature proteins?

  No. CHAPS is a non-denaturing detergent. It combines features of bile-acid and sulfobetaine-type detergents and solubilizes membrane proteins while preserving their native conformation and biological activity. This distinguishes it from ionic detergents such as SDS, which denature proteins.

• What concentration of CHAPS should I use?

  For isoelectric focusing and 2D electrophoresis, CHAPS is typically used at 1–4% (w/v). A common IEF sample solution is 8 M urea, 4% CHAPS, 50–100 mM DTT, and 40 mM Tris. For membrane protein solubilization and lysis buffers, working concentrations vary by application — generally in the range of 0.5–2% (w/v). Optimal concentration should be determined empirically for each protein.

• How is CHAPS different from Triton X-100?

  CHAPS is zwitterionic and carries no net charge between pH 2–12, while Triton X-100 is non-ionic. CHAPS is generally better at disrupting protein–protein interactions and is compatible with IEF because it does not interfere with the pH gradient. Triton X-100 is milder and often used for gentle membrane solubilization but is not suitable for IEF. The two are sometimes used together. (See our full comparison guide: CHAPS vs Triton X-100 vs CHAPSO.)

• How should I store CHAPS and prepared solutions?

  Store the dry powder as indicated on the product documentation. After reconstitution, store solutions at 4°C; stock solutions are stable for up to 6 months at 4°C.

• Is Biofargo's CHAPS animal-derived?

  CHAPS is synthesized from cholic acid. The animal-origin status depends on the raw material used in manufacturing. If your application requires animal-origin or TSE/BSE documentation, please contact us at contact@biofargo.com and we will provide the available documentation for your lot.

Publication

Recent applications of CHAPS in published research (source: PubMed)

• Menon, I. & Menon, A.K. 2025. One-Pot Reconstitution of GPCRs into Unilamellar Vesicles for Fluorescence-Based Phospholipid Scramblase Activity Assay. Methods Mol Biol 2958, 255–269. [DOI][DOI][DOI][DOI][DOI](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104902)

    — CHAPS evaluated for extraction of bacterial outer membrane proteins and antigen preparation.

• Classic reference:

  - Hjelmeland, L.M. 1980. A nondenaturing zwitterionic detergent for membrane biochemistry. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77, 6368.

Toxicity & Safety

Toxicity: Harmful (C)

Reconstitution: Following reconstitution, store in the refrigerator (4°C). Stock solutions are stable for up to 6 months at 4°C.

Safety Disclaimer: This product is intended for laboratory research use only. Not for drug, human, or veterinary use. Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Biofargo for detailed handling, storage, hazard, and disposal information. Use appropriate PPE including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection when handling. Dispose of waste in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

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