Fig. 2. Optimized conditions for thylakoid membrane solubilization by SMA. PSI trimer isolated using DDM is shown as control (0.6% DDM, B–F). (A–C) PSI solubilization conditions with regard to SMA formulation, pH and temperature, respectively. (D–F) PSI extraction efficiency as a function of ion concentration (mM) and valency, photos were taken prior to CBB staining to increase contrast of chlorophyll containing PSI. (A) PSI extraction with DDM and various SMAs as a function of varied amphiphilic molecule concentration. Solubilization time of thylakoid membranes listed as 1 hour for DDM and 12 hours for SMAs. (B) Extraction of PSI using 5% SMA 1440 over varied pH. (C) PSI extraction at 20 °C and 40 °C over time. Thylakoid membranes were solubilized with increasing concentrations of KCl (D) and NaCl (E). Thylakoid membranes were also washed in this buffer (devoid of amphiphilic molecule), prior to solubilization. (F) Effect of divalent ions on solubilization with 5% SMA 1440.