Can I continue to use Triton X-100 in the molecular biology laboratory?

Octoxinol 9 (also: 4-(1,1,3,3-Tetramethylbutyl)phenol, ethoxylated) is a non-ionic surfactant from the group of Octylphenol ethoxylates (OPEs) , which are widely used in biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology and are better known under the brand names Triton X-100, Nonidet P40 or Igepal CA-630 It is primarily used in laboratories as a detergent to solubilize cell membranes, extract proteins, or isolate membrane proteins. It is also used, among other things, for the inactivation of enveloped viruses using the solvent/detergent method.

Octoxinol 9 consists of a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol chain and a hydrophobic aromatic octylphenyl group, which give it its surfactant properties. Due to its endocrine-disrupting effects on the environment, octylphenol has been classified by the German Federal Environment Agency as a substance of very high concern (SVHC). Even minimal concentrations in the nanogram range in water are sufficient to disrupt the hormonal system of fish and harm development and reproduction.

Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation stipulates that OPEs such as Triton X-100 may no longer be used as of January 4, 2021 , unless official approval has been obtained or the intended use is exempt from the approval requirement. This includes not only purchasing but also the use of remaining stocks.

At this point, an exemption for scientific research and development and thus the molecular biology laboratory becomes relevant. According to Article 56 No. 3 of the REACH Regulation, the use of a substance Exempt from the authorisation requirement within the scope of scientific research and development . According to Article 3 No. 23 of the REACH Regulation, scientific research and development are defined as scientific experiments, analyses or research work carried out under controlled conditions with chemical substances in quantities of less than 1 tonne per year.

Conclusion: Triton X-100 and other OPEs can still be used for research purposes in molecular biology laboratories. However, it is important to ensure that OPE-containing liquids are not disposed of down the sink and released into the environment. Before using OPEs, please check whether they can be substituted with biodegradable or less environmentally harmful substances.