Permeabilization Protocols
Permeabilization protocols are related to the process of making cell membranes permeable using chemical substances to get access to the cell's interior without destroying it. These protocols are mainly used during the study and analysis of the components and molecular metabolism of mammal cells and microorganisms such as bacteria.-
Permeabilization of Bacteria With Hexane
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This protocol is used in the analyses of the enzyme L-asparaginase, found in certain bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to Protocol Online, this method uses a hexane solvent (C6H14) in an aqueous salt solution for the release of the enzyme. Hexanes are obtained through the refining of crude oil, have low toxicity and are considered one of the most cost-effective solutions used today in permeabilization protocols.
Introduction of Peptides Into Cardiac Myocytes
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According to an article published in the American Heart Association's "Circulation Research," molecules called saponins can be used in the permeabilization of mammalian cell membranes. This procedure is used during experiments involving the introduction of peptides --- large and normally impermeable molecules --- into neonatal cardiac cells, which are called myocytes. This protocol is used to study PKC enzymes, which are involved in the regulation and rate of contraction in cardiac cells, among other functions.
Formaldehyde and Detergent
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The chemical compound formaldehyde, the detergent Triton X-100 and up to 50 percent methanol alcohol (MeOH) are used in a permeabilization protocol to study blood cells, according to an article published on PubMed's site. This method is normally used to identify molecules called phospho-epitopes --- found in blood, nervous, skin and other cells --- from other intracellular components by color differentiation.
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