Use of high-performance size exclusion chromatography to determine the extent of detergent solubilization of human erythrocyte ghosts.

We have studied the effects of various detergents and their concentration during human erythrocyte membrane solubilization. Detergents were selected on the basis of their low UV absorption at 280 nm, making them useful for high-performance liquid chromatography. High performance size-exclusion chromatography was then utilized to monitor the efficiency of solubilization. Sodium dodecyl sulfate solubilized more of the erythrocyte membrane proteins than any of the other detergents studied. 3-[(3-Cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfate solubilized some, but Tween 20 and reduced Triton X-100 solubilized fewer of the human erythrocyte membrane proteins. In conclusion, high-performance size exclusion chromatography provides a rapid method for determining whether membrane proteins have been effectively solubilized.