LysoFos is a detergent that belongs to the lysophospholipid class. Specifically, LysoFos is short for lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), which is a lysophospholipid derivative of phosphatidylcholine (PC). LPC molecules consist of a glycerol backbone, a single fatty acid chain, a phosphate group, and a choline head group.

LysoFos (LPC) is commonly used as a detergent for solubilizing membrane proteins. Its amphipathic nature allows it to interact with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions of membrane proteins, facilitating their extraction and maintaining their stability in solution. LPC is often considered a mild detergent, making it suitable for studies where preservation of the native conformation and activity of membrane proteins is crucial.

Key characteristics and considerations for LysoFos (LPC) as a detergent in membrane protein studies include:

• Amphipathic Structure: LPC has a single fatty acid chain, which contributes to its amphipathic nature. This allows it to embed into lipid bilayers and solubilize membrane proteins effectively.

• Mild Detergent Properties: LPC is generally considered a mild detergent, making it suitable for solubilizing membrane proteins without causing significant denaturation or aggregation.

• Preservation of Native Conformation: The mild nature of LPC helps in maintaining the native conformation and functionality of membrane proteins, which is critical for downstream structural and functional studies.

• Lipid Bilayer Mimicry: LPC, being a lysophospholipid, can mimic certain aspects of the lipid bilayer environment where membrane proteins naturally reside.

• Compatibility with Downstream Techniques: LPC is often used in studies involving techniques such as crystallization, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and other structural biology methods.