What are non-ionic detergents?

Non-ionic detergents are detergents that contain molecules with uncharged head groups. They can be further classified into two types:

• Detergents based on polyoxyethylene and related compounds - These contain a neutral, polar head group and the tails may be composed of hydrophobic oxyethylene chains or ethylene glycoether chains.
• Detergents with a glycosidic base – These use a sugar such as maltose or glucose as the head group and an alkyl polymer tail.

Non-ionic detergents have a limited ability to break protein-protein interactions and are non-denaturing. They are the preferred choice of detergent for use in processes that require the protein structure to be kept intact.