Nonionic detergents work by disrupting the lipid bilayer of cell membranes. Their hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails interact with the lipids in the membrane, while their hydrophilic heads interact with the aqueous environment. This action solubilizes membrane proteins and lipids, breaking down the cell membrane and allowing access to intracellular components. Because they do not carry a charge, nonionic detergents do not interfere with ionic interactions within the cell.
