•Mild Detergency: Selectively lyses cell membranes or dissolves lipids to release target analytes (e.g., antigens, enzymes) while preserving the native conformation of proteins.

•Blocking Non-Specific Binding: Blocks non-specific adsorption sites on solid carriers (e.g., nitrocellulose membranes, microplates), reducing background interference (e.g., in ELISA, lateral flow strips).

•Stabilization of Proteins and Colloidal Particles: The hydrophobic chain adsorbs onto surfaces such as latex/colloidal gold, while the hydrophilic chain forms a protective layer to prevent aggregation (e.g., enhancing signal stability in immunoturbidimetric assays).

•Low Hemolytic Potential: Compared to other polysorbates (Tween 80 has the lowest hemolytic risk), Tween 20 offers controllable hemolytic risk, making it suitable for whole blood/serum sample processing.

•Renaturation of Epitopes: Restores the native conformation of partially denatured antigens, improving antibody recognition efficiency (e.g., in Western Blot membrane regeneration).

•ELISA Wash/Blocking Buffers: Added to wash or blocking buffers to reduce non-specific binding and enhance the signal-to-noise ratio.

•Lateral Flow Immunoassay Strips: Pre-mixed in conjugate pad treatment solutions to stabilize colloidal gold-labeled antibodies and suppress non-specific adsorption.

•Cell Lysis Buffers: Serves as a mild detergent to lyse cell membranes and release intracellular targets (e.g., enzymes, nucleic acids) while maintaining protein activity.

•Latex Particle Stabilizer: Incorporated into latex microparticle suspensions to prevent aggregation and improve the uniformity of turbidity signals (e.g., in CRP, PCT detection).

•Protein Renaturation Buffer: Used for Western Blot membrane regeneration to restore antigen epitopes and enhance antibody binding efficiency.

•Stability and Storage:

•Avoid Autoclaving: High-pressure sterilization may cause degradation; filter sterilization (0.22 μm membrane) is recommended.

•Light Protection and Refrigeration: Prolonged exposure to light/heat may cause oxidation and yellowing (slight discoloration does not affect functionality).

•Compatibility Limitations:

•Avoid Mixing with Strong Oxidizers/Heavy Metal Salts: Such as high concentrations of ammonium persulfate or copper sulfate, which may cause decomposition or precipitation.

•Use with Caution as a Preservative: May reduce the efficacy of preservatives like benzalkonium chloride or thimerosal; effectiveness should be verified.

•Hemolysis Risk Control: For whole blood detection, the concentration should be ≤0.1%, or consider replacing with Tween 80 (which has lower hemolytic potential).

•Increased Detection Background: May result from excessive Tween 20 concentration or insufficient blocking. It is recommended to reduce the concentration to 0.05%–0.1% or increase the blocking agent (e.g., BSA).

•Latex Particle Aggregation: May be caused by reaction with cationic buffers. Consider switching to a neutral/anionic buffer system (e.g., Tris-HCl).

•Reagent Turbidity or Precipitation: May result from metal ions or pH exceeding the optimal range. Adding EDTA (1–5 mM) or adjusting the pH to 6–8 is recommended.

•Protein Activity Inhibition: May be due to partial denaturation caused by high concentrations. Reduce the concentration to below 0.05% or consider replacing with Pluronic F-68.