I am unable to use Triton X-100 as a permeabilizing agent in my immunofluorescence (IF) work. Are there any suitable alternatives that will yield comparable results?

Triton X-100 is a widely used nonionic surfactant for permeabilizing cell membranes prior to immunostaining, and it is a key component of our recommended immunofluorescence protocol. The European Chemicals Agency recently added phenol ethoxylates to their candidate list of substances with “very high concern” and banned its use and sale in the EU by those without an exemption certificate. 

After testing a large panel of antibodies approved for use in immunofluorescence (immunocytochemistry/ICC) assays, we found their performance to be differentially affected by detergent substitutes. While CST cannot guarantee the performance of our reagents when used with modified protocols, we do recommend that customers consider TERGITOL 15-S-7 at a final concentration of 1% when access to Triton X-100 is restricted.

Last updated: November 21, 2024