Detergent solubilization

Detergent solubilization is a process where detergents, which are molecules with a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail and a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head, break down and disperse oily or membrane-bound substances in water. When added to a sample, detergents interact with fats, oils, or cell membrane components, surrounding and lifting them into the solution as tiny, stable particles called micelles. This allows for the extraction and analysis of proteins or other molecules that are normally embedded within cell membranes, making complex biological structures accessible for study or further processing.