Which type of proteins does the Wash Buffer target during the purification process?

The Wash Buffer is specifically designed to target less hydrophobic proteins during the purification process. This is because it is formulated to help remove proteins that may not be tightly associated with the column matrix, thereby allowing the purification of the desired proteins while minimizing unwanted interactions with more highly hydrophobic proteins.

The principle behind using a Wash Buffer is that it selectively elutes proteins based on their hydrophobicity. Less hydrophobic proteins tend to have weaker interactions with the purification medium, making them more susceptible to being washed away without disrupting the binding of the target proteins. This strategic washing is crucial in refining the purification process and ensuring that the most stable interactions between the desired proteins and the purification medium are preserved.

In contrast, highly hydrophobic proteins would remain tightly bound during the wash step, as the conditions of the Wash Buffer do not disrupt these strong interactions. Thus, the Wash Buffer plays a critical role in isolating only those proteins that may interfere with the purification process, while retaining the target proteins that are more hydrophobic and desirable for subsequent analysis or applications.