NP-40

NP-40 is a commercially available detergent. The full name of NP-40 is Tergitol-type NP-40, which is nonyl phenoxypolyethoxylethanol.

Care should be taken to avoid confusing NP-40 with Nonidet P-40 (octyl phenoxypolyethoxylethanol). Its HLB value is 17.8 compared to 13.4 for IGEPAL CA-630.

This powerful detergent is often used to break open all membranes within a cell including the nuclear membrane. To break only the cytoplasmic membrane, one should use IGEPAL CA-630 (AKA Nonidet P-40).

See also