| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Species | |
| Applications | |
| Sample type(s) | Biological and environmental samples |
| Detection limit | |
| Detection method | |
| Plate format | |
| Assay time | |
| Storage | |
| Shelf life | |
| Shipping | |
| Catalog no. (Mfr.) | |
| Main SKU |
Overview
For quantitative determination of detergents in e.g. water and soil samples. The assay uses 560nm and 650nm for signal readout. Compatible sample input includes Biological and environmental samples. Typical stated assay timing is 15 min.
Key elements and design rationale
- Readout format: 560nm and 650nm supports plate-based signal acquisition and consistent comparison across matched samples.
- Sample compatibility: The stated sample scope includes Biological and environmental samples, which is useful when aligning matrix type with calibration and control design.
- Analytical range context: The supplied specifications include a stated detection limit of Tween 80: 0.012 to 4 mM; Tween 20: 0.06 to 5 mM; Triton X-100: 0.23 to 12 mM; Brij L23/35: 0.09 to 5 mM; DTAC: 0.08 to 2 mM; SDS: 10 to 25 mM for interpreting low-signal samples.
- Feature emphasis: Sensitive and accurate. Use 20 µL sample. Linear detection range: Tween 80: 0.012 to 4 mM; Tween 20: 0.06 to 5 mM; Triton X-100: 0.23 to 12 mM; Brij L23/35: 0.09 to 5 mM; DTAC: 0.08 to 2 mM; SDS: 10 to 25 mM.
Additional feature notes highlight Simple and convenient. The procedure involves addition of two reagents and measuring OD560nm or OD650nm; Improved reagent stability and versatility. The optimized formulation has greatly enhanced reagent and signal stability. Cuvette or 96-well plate assay. Available format information for this listing includes 100 Tests.
Biological background
This product is centered on measurement of detergent . within the matrices described for the assay. In practice, datasets from this type of format are typically interpreted by comparing relative signal, activity, or abundance across matched control and experimental groups rather than relying on a single value in isolation. Careful alignment of sample matrix, incubation window, and calibration strategy is important when comparing results across plates, operators, or study days.
More details
Detergents are surfactants that are amphiphilic, which means that they are partly hydrophobic and partly hydrophilic. Detergents fall into three categories: anionic, cationic, and non-ionic/zwitterionic. They are commonly used in household cleaning products, in gasoline as additives, and in biological reagents. Simple, direct, and automation-ready procedures for measuring detergent concentration in biological samples are very desirable. BioAssay Systems’ detergent assay kit is designed to measure detergent directly without any pretreatment. Above the critical micellar concentration, detergent forms micelle in a solution that traps the colorimetric dye. The intensity of the color is directly proportional to the detergent concentration in the sample.
Detection method
Colorimetric (560nm and 650nm).
Detection limit and analytical sensitivity
Reported detection limit: Tween 80: 0.012 to 4 mM; Tween 20: 0.06 to 5 mM; Triton X-100: 0.23 to 12 mM; Brij L23/35: 0.09 to 5 mM; DTAC: 0.08 to 2 mM; SDS: 10 to 25 mM.
Procedures and timing
Stated procedure or timing information: 15 min.
Research relevance and current trends
- Plate-based quantification and side-by-side group comparison remain central use cases for this assay format.
- Short assay timing and plate compatibility support time-course or repeated-measure collection plans when handling is kept consistent.
- Matched standards, blanks, and replicate wells are typically used to improve interpretability across batches and sample matrices.
Common research applications
- Quantify detergent . in biological and environmental samples by 560 nm and 650 nm readout.
- Compare treatment or phenotype groups using matched biological and environmental samples handling.
- Monitor time-course or pre/post changes in biological and environmental samples across study conditions.
Interpretation is usually strongest when signal changes are assessed alongside matrix-matched controls, replicate agreement, and the assay's stated analytical window.
Notes for experimental interpretation
- Matrix composition, background signal, and sample handling can influence apparent response; compare like-with-like whenever possible.
- Use appropriate blanks, controls, and replicate wells to distinguish biological differences from plate, reagent, or handling variability.
What samples have been tested with this assay?
This kit has been tested with several varieties of handsoap, dish detergent, and powder clothing detergent.
You haven?t tested the detergent I am interested in measuring. Is my detergent compatible with the kit?
Since we haven?t tested every single detergent possible with the kit, there may be some which are not compatible. However, as long as it is not a bile acid it is likely to work. We have found that most lower detection limits tend to be the critical micellar concentration of the detergent (CMC) so if the detergent is compatible, the lower detection limit is probably the CMC. You should construct your own standard curve if you have a purified stock of the detergent, and can determine the concentration using this curve.
Can I use this assay with wastewater?
This assay has not been tested with wastewater. However, Dye B is commonly used to test wastewater for detergents although it requires several purification and extraction steps with a separatory funnel to remove interference. See https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1551-8833.1975.tb02144.x for more information.
Can I use this kit on a sample with multiple detergents in it?
If one detergent is anionic and another is cationic, you may. However, if both detergents are the same charge or are nonionic then they will both be measured by the assay and the true concentration of each cannot be determined. Thus it gives an overall detergent strength.
The OD of my detergent is linear for lower concentrations, then drops, then increases again. Why?
Yes, some detergents behave this way. It is recommended to create a standard curve of detergent that is linear and exclude the higher concentrations that are not linear.
My sample is cloudy. What is causing this interference with this assay?
Sodium deoxycholate and other bile acids precipitate out of solution with this assay and are cloudy, so cannot be used. Additionally, high concentrations of compatible detergents can cause cloudiness, so samples must be diluted to within detection limits.
My sample is colored, will this interfere with the assay?
You can run a background of 20 µL sample + 180 µL DI water to see if there is significant absorbance at OD560 or OD650 nm, and subtract this value from your sample when used with working reagent. You may also have to dilute your sample if detergent concentrations are too high, and this may help with reducing color.
For laboratories requiring additional technical capacity, we provide scientific support services including assay execution, method guidance, product sourcing, and customization to align the assay with specific experimental objectives. If you need assistance selecting the appropriate kit configuration, adapting the workflow to your application, or identifying related research services, please click Talk to a Scientist, email support@biohippo.com, or review our Research Services; a member of our scientific team will follow up with recommendations tailored to your study.
