Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) is a synthetic detergent and surfactant commonly used in laboratories. It is an anionic compound, meaning it carries a negative charge, which helps it to disrupt cell membranes and solubilize proteins. SDS is often utilized in SDS-PAGE, a technique for separating proteins based on their size. In addition to its laboratory applications, SDS is found in various household products, such as shampoos and cleaning agents, due to its ability to create foam and remove dirt. Its effectiveness as a surfactant makes it valuable in both scientific and everyday contexts.