Description
Specifications Table
Product Name – Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) SQ
Quantity/Pack Size – 500 ML, 25 LT
Form – Liquid
Grade – SQ Grade
Application – Emulsifying Agent, Solubilizer, Surfactant
Product Overview
Polysorbate 80, commonly known as Tween 80, is a versatile and widely utilized non-ionic surfactant. Its unique chemical structure, derived from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid, grants it exceptional emulsifying and solubilizing properties. This makes it indispensable across various laboratory disciplines, from life sciences to materials research. As an effective emulsifier, it plays a crucial role in stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions, preventing phase separation in complex mixtures. This characteristic is vital in formulations where uniform dispersion of immiscible liquids is required.
Beyond emulsification, Polysorbate 80 functions as a powerful solubilizing agent. It aids in dispersing hydrophobic substances into aqueous solutions, enhancing their solubility and bioavailability in experimental setups. This is particularly beneficial when working with compounds that are poorly soluble in water, ensuring their effective integration into test systems. Its mild nature and low toxicity make it a preferred choice for applications involving sensitive biological materials.
The SQ grade ensures a consistent and reliable quality suitable for demanding research and development environments. It helps maintain the integrity of cell cultures, drug delivery systems, and diagnostic reagents by reducing surface tension and preventing aggregation. Its application extends to cell lysis, protein stabilization, and as a wetting agent, contributing significantly to the reproducibility and accuracy of experimental outcomes. Researchers and students depend on its consistent performance for critical experiments, ensuring reliable data acquisition and analysis.
FAQs
1. What is the primary function of Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) SQ in a lab setting?
Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) SQ primarily functions as an emulsifying agent and a solubilizer. It is used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and to disperse hydrophobic substances into aqueous solutions, enhancing their solubility for various experimental applications.
2. How should Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) SQ be stored to maintain its efficacy?
For optimal efficacy, Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) SQ should be stored in a tightly sealed container, protected from light and moisture, at room temperature. Avoid freezing or excessive heat to prevent degradation.
3. Is Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) SQ compatible with other common lab reagents?
Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) SQ is generally compatible with a wide range of common lab reagents. However, it’s always recommended to perform a small-scale compatibility test, especially when combining it with strong oxidizing agents or highly acidic/alkaline solutions, to prevent unexpected reactions.
4. Are there alternative surfactants or emulsifiers to Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) SQ for specific applications?
Yes, alternatives like Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20), Triton X-100, or SDS might be considered depending on the specific application requirements, desired CMC (Critical Micelle Concentration), and interaction with your system. The choice depends on the specific chemical properties needed for your experiment.
5. Can Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) SQ be used in biological assays involving sensitive cells?
Due to its non-ionic nature and relatively mild properties, Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) SQ is often suitable for biological assays involving sensitive cells, usually at low concentrations. It helps in maintaining cell viability while achieving desired emulsification or solubilization, but specific cell lines may require optimization of concentration.
