Buffers

A guide for the preparation and use of buffers in biological systems

Calbiochem

Buffers
A guide for the preparation and use of buffers in biological systems

Chandra Mohan, Ph.D. EMD, San Diego, California

EMD, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents:
Why does Calbiochem Biochemicals Publish a Booklet on Buffers? . . . . . . . 1 Water, The Fluid of Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Ionization of Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Dissociation Constants of Weak Acids and Bases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Henderson-Hasselbach Equation: pH and pK a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Determination of pK a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 pK a Values for Commonly Used Biological Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Buffers, Buffer Capacity, and Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Biological Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Buffering in Cells and Tissues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Effect of Temperature on pH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Effect of Buffers on Factors Other than pH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Use of Water-Miscible Organic Solvents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Solubility Equilibrium: Effect of pH on Solubility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 pH Measurements: Some Useful Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Choosing a Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Preparation of Some Common Buffers for Use in Biological Systems . . . . . . . 18 Commonly Used Buffer Media in Biological Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Isoelectric Point of Selected Proteins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Isoelectric Point of Selected Plasma and Serum Proteins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Approximate pH and Bicarbonate Concentration in Extracellular Fluids . . . 27 Ionic Composition of Body Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Ionization Constants K and pK a for Selected Acids and Bases in Water . . . . . 28 Physical Properties of Some Commonly Used Acids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Some Useful Tips for Calculation of Concentrations and Spectrophotometric Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 EMD Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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The Spotted Cucumber Beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) is a native of North America and ranges from Mexico to Canada. The Cucumber Beetle can cause serious crop damage by feeding and by transmission of bacterial wilt disease. More information can be found at http://bugguide.net/node/ view/456. Photo credit: Scot Mitchell

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Why does Calbiochem Biochemicals Publish a Booklet on Buffers?

We are frequently asked questions on the use of buffers that we offer to research laboratories. This booklet is designed to help answer basic questions about the use of buffers in biological systems. The discussion presented here is by no means complete, but we hope it will help in the understanding of general principles involved in the use of buffers. Almost all biological processes are pH dependent. Even a slight change in pH can result in metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, resulting in severe metabolic complications. The purpose of a buffer in a biological system is to maintain intracellular and extracellular pH within a very narrow range and resist changes in pH in the presence of internal and external influences. Before we begin a discussion of buffers and how they control hydrogen ion concentrations, a brief explanation of the role of water and equilibrium constants of weak acids and bases is necessary.

Water: The Fluid of Life

Water constitutes about 70% of the mass of most living creatures. All biological reactions occur in an aqueous medium. All aspects of cell structure and function are adapted to the physical and chemical properties of water. Hence, it is essential to understand some basic properties of water and its ionization products, i.e., H+ and OH-. Both H+ and OH- influence the structure, assembly, and properties of all macromolecules in the cell. Water is a polar solvent that dissolves most charged molecules. Water dissolves most salts by hydrating and stabilizing the cations and anions by weakening their electrostatic interactions (Figure 1). Compounds that readily dissolve in water are known as HYDROPHILIC compounds. Nonpolar compounds such as chloroform and ether do not interact with water in any favorable manner and are known as HYDROPHOBIC compounds. These compounds interfere with hydrogen bonding among water molecules.

Figure 1: Electrostatic interaction of Na+ and Cl ions and water molecules.

Several biological molecules, such as proteins, certain vitamins, steroids, and phospholipids contain both polar and nonpolar regions. They are known as AMPHIPATHIC molecules. The hydrophilic region of these molecules is arranged in a manner that permits maximum interaction with water molecules. However, the hydrophobic regions assemble together exposing only the smallest area to water.

Ionization of Water
Water molecules undergo reversible ionization to yield H+ and OH- as per the following equation.
H2O H+ + OH

The degree of ionization of water at equilibrium is fairly small and is given by the following equation where Keq is the equilibrium constant.

Keq

[H+][OH] [H2O]

At 25C, the concentration of pure water is 55.5 M (1000 18; M.W. 18.0). Hence, we can rewrite the above equation as follows:

Keq

or

[H+][OH] 55.5 M

For pure water, electrical conductivity experiments give a Keq value of 1.8 10-16 M at 25C. Hence,
(55.5 M)(1.8 10-16 M) = [H+][OH]

(55.5)(Keq) = [H+][OH]

or
99.9 10-16 M2 = [H+][OH]

or
1.0 10-14 M2 = [H+][OH]

[H+][OH], the ion product of water, is always equal to 1.0 10-14 M2 at 25C. When [H+] and [OH] are present in equal amounts, the solution gives a neutral pH. Here

+

[H+][OH] = [H+]2

or
[H ] = 1 10-14 M2

and
[H ] = [OH] = 10-7 M
+

Because the total concentration of H+ and OH is constant, an increase in one ion is compensated by a decrease in the concentration of other ion. This forms the basis for the pH scale.

Dissociation Constants of Weak Acids and Bases

Strong acids (hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, etc.) and bases (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc.) are those that are completely ionized in dilute aqueous solutions. In biological systems one generally encounters only weak acids and bases. Weak acids and bases do not completely dissociate in solution. They exist instead as an equilibrium mixture of undissociated and dissociated species. For example, in aqueous solution, acetic acid is an equilibrium mixture of acetate ion, hydrogen ion, and undissociated acetic acid. The equilibrium between these species can be expressed as:
CH3COOH k1 k2 H+ + CH3COO

where k1 represents the rate constant of dissociation of acetic acid to acetate and hydrogen ions, and k2 represents the rate constant for the association of acetate and hydrogen ions to form acetic acid. The rate of dissociation of acetic acid, d[CH3COOH]/dt, is dependent on the rate constant of dissociation (k1) and the concentration of acetic acid [C H3COOH] and can be expressed as:
d[CH3COOH] dt = k1[CH3COOH]

Similarly, the rate of association to form acetic acid, d[HAc]/dt, is dependent on the rate constant of association (k 2) and the concentration of acetate and hydrogen ions and can be expressed as:
d[CH3COOH] dt = k2[H+][CH3COO]

Since the rates of dissociation and re-association are equal under equilibrium conditions:
k1[CH3COOH] = k2[H+][CH3COO] k1 k2 = [H+][CH3COO] [CH3COOH]

or

and

Ka k1 k2

[H+][CH3COO] [CH3COOH] Ka (Equilibrium constant)

where

This equilibrium expression can now be rearranged to

[H+] = Ka [CH3COOH] [CH3COO]

where the hydrogen ion concentration is expressed in terms of the equilibrium constant and the concentrations of undissociated acetic acid and acetate ion. The equilibrium constant for ionization reactions is called the ionization constant or dissociation constant.

Henderson-Hasselbach Equation: pH and pKa

The relationship between pH, pK a , and the buffering action of any weak acid and its conjugate base is best explained by the Henderson-Hasselbach equation. In biological experiments, [H+] varies from 10 -1 M to about 10 -10 M. S.P.L. Sorenson, a Danish chemist, coined the p value of any quantity as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. Hence, for [H+] one can write the following equation:
pH = log [H+]

Similarly pK a can be defined as log K a. If the equilibrium expression is converted to log, then
[CH3COOH] [CH3COO]

log [H+]

log Ka log

and pH and pK a substituted:

pH = pKa log [CH3COOH] [CH3COO]

or
pH = pKa + log [CH3COO] [CH3COOH]

When the concentration of acetate ions equals the concentration of acetic acid, log [CH 3COO]/[CH 3COOH] approaches zero (the log of 1) and pH equals pK a (the pK a of acetic acid is 4.745). Acetic acid and acetate ion form an effective buffering system centered around pH 4.75. Generally, the pK a of a weak acid or base indicates the pH of the center of the buffering region. The terms pK and pK a are frequently used interchangeably in the literature. The term pK a (a refers to acid) is used in circumstances where the system is being considered as an acid and in which hydrogen ion concentration or pH is

of interest. Sometimes the term pK b is used. pK b (b refers to base) is used when the system is being considered as a base and the hydroxide ion concentration or (pOH) is of greater interest.

Determination of pKa
pK a values are generally determined by titration. A carefully calibrated, automated, recording titrator is used, the free acid of the material to be measured is titrated with a suitable base, and the titration curve is recorded. The pH of the solution is monitored as increasing quantities of base are added to the solution. Figure 2 shows the titration curve for acetic acid. The point of inflection indicates the pK a value. Frequently, automatic titrators record the first derivative of the titration curve, giving more accurate pK a values. Polybasic buffer systems can have more than one useful pK a value. Figure 3 shows the titration curve for phosphoric acid, a tribasic acid. Note that the curve has five points of inflection. Three indicate pK a1, pK a2 and pK a3, and two additional points indicate where H 2PO4 and HPO4 exist as the sole species.

Figure 2: Titration Curve for Acetic Acid

Figure 3: Titration Curve for Phosphoric Acid

Table 1: pK a Values for Commonly Used Biological Buffers and Buffer Constituents
Product BES, ULTROL Grade Bicine, ULTROL Grade BIS-Tris, ULTROL Grade BIS-Tris Propane, ULTROL Grade Boric Acid, Molecular Biology Grade Cacodylic Acid CAPS, ULTROL Grade CHES, ULTROL Grade Citric Acid, Monohydrate, Molecular Biology Grade Glycine Glycine, Molecular Biology Grade Glycylglycine, Free Base HEPES, Free Acid, Molecular Biology Grade HEPES, Free Acid, ULTROL Grade HEPES, Free Acid Solution HEPES, Sodium Salt, ULTROL Grade Imidazole, ULTROL Grade MES, Free Acid, ULTROL Grade MES, Sodium Salt, ULTROL Grade MOPS, Free Acid, ULTROL Grade MOPS, Sodium Salt, ULTROL Grade PIPES, Free Acid, ULTROL Grade PIPES, Sodium Salt, ULTROL Grade PIPPS Potassium Phosphate, Dibasic, Trihydrate, Molecular Biology Grade Potassium Phosphate, Monobasic, Molecular Biology Grade Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic, Molecular Biology Grade Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic, Monohydrate, Molecular Biology Grade TAPS, ULTROL Grade TES, Free Acid, ULTROL Grade Tricine, ULTROL Grade Triethanolamine, HCl Tris Base, Molecular Biology Grade Tris Base, ULTROL Grade Tris, HCl, Molecular Biology Grade Tris, HCl, ULTROL Grade

Cat. No. 391334 391336 391335 394111 203667 205541 239782 239779 231211 3570 357002 3630 391340 391338 375368 391333 4015 475893 475894 475898 475899 528131 528132 528315 529567 529568 567550 567547 567545 567549 394675 39465 39468 641752 648310 648311 648317 648313

M.W. 213.2 163.2 209.2 282.4 61.8 214.0 221.3 207.3 210.1 75.1 75.1 132.1 238.3 238.3 238.3 260.3 68.1 195.2 217.2 209.3 231.2 302.4 325.3 330.4 228.2 136.1 142.0 142.0 120.0 138.0 243.2 229.3 179.2 185.7 121.1 121.1 157.6 157.6

pKa at 20C 7.15 8.35 6.50 6.80 9.24 6.27 10.40 9.50 4.76 2.341 2.341 8.40 7.55 7.55 7.55 7.55 7.00 6.15 6.15 7.20 7.20 6.80 6.80 3.732 7.213 7.213 7.213 7.213 7.213 7.213 8.40 7.50 8.15 7.66 8.30 8.30 8.30 8.30

Trisodium Citrate, Dihydrate, Molecular Biology Grade 567446 294.1 1. pKa1 = 2.34; pKa2 = 9.6 2. pKa1 = 3.73; pKa2 = 7.96 (100 mM aqueous solution, 25C). 3. Phosphate buffers are normally prepared from a combination of the monobasic and dibasic salts, titrated against each other to the correct pH. Phosphoric acid has three pKa values: pKa1 = 2.12; pKa2 = 7.21; pKa3 = 12.32

Buffers, Buffer Capacity, and Range

Buffers are aqueous systems that resist changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. Buffer solutions are composed of a weak acid (the proton donor) and its conjugate base (the proton acceptor). Buffering results from two reversible reaction equilibria in a solution wherein the concentration of proton donor and its conjugate proton acceptor are equal. For example, in a buffer system when the concentration of acetic acid and acetate ions are equal, addition of small amounts of acid or base do not have any detectable influence on the pH. This point is commonly known as the isoelectric point. At this point there is no net charge and pH at this point is equal to pKa.
pH = pKa + log [CH3COO] [CH3COOH]

At isoelectric point [CH3COO] = [CH3COOH] hence, pH = pKa Buffers have both intensive and extensive properties. The intensive property is a function of the pKa value of the buffer acid or base. Most simple buffers work effectively in the pH scale of pKa 1.0. The extensive property of the buffers is also known as the buffer capacity. It is a measure of the protection a buffer offers against changes in pH. Buffer capacity generally depends on the concentration of buffer solution. Buffers with higher concentrations offer higher buffering capacity. On the other hand, pH is dependent not on the absolute concentrations of buffer components, but on their ratio. Buffer capacity is a term used to describe the ability of a given buffer to resist changes in pH on addition of acid or base. A buffer capacity of 1 is when 1 mol of acid or alkali is added to 1 liter of buffer and pH changes by 1 unit. The buffer capacity of a mixed weak acid-base buffer is much greater when the individual pKa values are in close proximity with each other. It is important to note that the buffer capacity of a mixture of buffers is additive. Using the above equation we know that when pH = pKa the concentrations of acetic acid and acetate ion are equal. Using a hypothetical buffer system of HA (pKa = 7.0) and [A], we can demonstrate how the hydrogen ion concentration, [H+], is relatively insensitive to external influence because of the buffering action.

For example: If 100 ml of 10 mM (1 102 M) HCl are added to 1.0 liter of 1.0 M NaCl at pH 7.0, the hydrogen ion concentration, [H+], of the resulting 1.1 liter of solution can be calculated by using the following equation:
[H+] Vol = [H+]o Volo Volo = initial volume of HCl solution (in liters) [H+]o = initial hydrogen ion concentration (M) Vol = final volume of HCl + NaCl solutions (in liters) [H+] = final hydrogen ion concentration of HCl + NaCl solution (M)

where

Solving for [H+]:

[H+] 1.1 liter = 1.0 x 102 0.1 = 1 103 [H+] = 9.09 104 or pH = 3.04

Thus, the addition of 1.0 103 mol of hydrogen ion resulted in a pH change of approximately 4 pH units (from 7.0 to 3.04). If a buffer is used instead of sodium chloride, a 1.0 M solution of HA at pH 7.0 will initially have:
[HA] = [A] = 0.5 M pH = pKa + log 0.5 0.5 [A] [HA] or pH = 7.0

pH

7.0 + log

When 100 ml of 1.0 102 M (10 mM) HCl is added to this system, 1.0 103 mol of A is converted to 1.0 103 mol of HA, with the following result:
pH = 7.0 + log 0.499/1.1 0.501/1.1 or pH = 6.998

pH

7.0 0.002

Hence, it is clear that in the absence of a suitable buffer system there was a pH change of 4 pH units, whereas in a buffer system only a trivial change in pH was observed indicating that the buffer system had successfully resisted a change in pH. Generally, in the range from [A]/[HA] = 0.1 to [A]/[HA] = 10.0, effective buffering exists. However, beyond this range, the buffering capacity may be significantly reduced.

Biological Buffers
Biological buffers should meet the following general criteria: Their pKa should reside between 6.0 to 8.0. They should exhibit high water solubility and minimal solubility in organic solvents. They should not permeate cell membranes. They should not exhibit any toxicity towards cells. They should not interfere with any biological process. The salt effect should be minimal, however, salts can be added as required. Ionic composition of the medium and temperature should have minimal effect of buffering capacity. Buffers should be stable and resistant to enzymatic degradation. Buffer should not absorb either in the visible or in the UV region. Most of the buffers used in cell cultures, isolation of cells, enzyme assays, and other biological applications must possess these distinctive characteristics. Goods zwitterionic buffers meet these criteria. They exhibit pKa values at or near physiological pH. They exhibit low interference with biological processes due to the fact that their anionic and cationic sites are present as non-interacting carboxylate or sulfonate and cationic ammonium groups respectively.

Buffering in Cells and Tissues

A brief discussion of hydrogen ion regulation in biological systems highlights the importance of buffering systems. Amino acids present in proteins in cells and tissues contain functional groups that act as weak acid and bases. Nucleotides and several other low molecular weight metabolites that undergo ionization also contribute effectively to buffering in the cell. However, phosphate and bicarbonate buffer systems are most predominant in biological systems. The phosphate buffer system has a pKa of 6.86. Hence, it provides effective buffering in the pH range of 6.4 to 7.4. The bicarbonate buffer system plays an important role in buffering the blood system where in carbonic acid acts as a weak acid (proton donor) and bicarbonate acts as the conjugate base (proton acceptor). Their relationship can be expressed as follows:
K1 = [H+][HCO3] [H2CO3]

In this system carbonic acid (H2CO3) is formed from dissolved carbon dioxide and water in a reversible manner. The pH of the bicarbonate system is dependent on the concentration of carbonic acid and bicarbonate ion. Since carbonic acid

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concentration is dependent upon the amount of dissolved carbon dioxide the ultimate buffering capacity is dependent upon the amount of bicarbonate and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide.

H++HCO3-

Figure 4: Relationship between bicarbonate buffer system and carbon dioxide.

In air-breathing animals, the bicarbonate buffer system maintains pH near 7.4. This is possible due to the fact that carbonic acid in the blood is in equilibrium with the carbon dioxide present in the air. Figure 4 highlights the mechanism involved in blood pH regulation by the bicarbonate buffer system. Any increase in partial pressure of carbon dioxide (as in case of impaired ventilation) lowers the ratio of bicarbonate to pCO2 resulting in a decrease in pH (acidosis). The acidosis is reversed gradually when kidneys increase the absorption of bicarbonate at the expense of chloride. Metabolic acidosis resulting from the loss of bicarbonate ions (such as in severe diarrhea or due to increased keto acid formation) leads to severe metabolic complications warranting intravenous bicarbonate therapy. During hyperventilation, when excessive amounts of carbon dioxide are eliminated from the system (thereby lowering the pCO2), the pH of the blood increases, resulting in alkalosis. This is commonly seen in conditions such as pulmonary embolism and hepatic failure. Metabolic alkalosis generally results when bicarbonate levels are higher in the blood. This is commonly observed after vomiting of acidic gastric secretions. Kidneys compensate for alkalosis by increasing the excretion of bicarbonate ions. However, an obligatory loss of sodium occurs under these circumstances. In case of severe alkalosis the body is depleted of water, H+, Cl, and, to some extent, Na+. A detailed account of metabolic acidosis and alkalosis is beyond the scope of this booklet. Please consult a suitable textbook of physiology for more detailed information on the mechanisms involved.

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Effect of Temperature on pH
Generally when we consider the use of buffers we make the following two assumptions. (a) The activity coefficients of the buffer ions is approximately equal to 1 over the useful range of buffer concentrations. (b) The value of Ka is constant over the working range of temperature. However, in real practice one observes that pH changes slightly with change in temperature. This might be very critical in biological systems where a precise hydrogen ion concentration is required for reaction systems to operate with maximum efficiency. Figure 5 presents the effect of temperature on the pH of phosphate buffer. The difference might appear to be slight but it has significant biological importance. Although the mathematical relationship of activity and temperature may be complicated, the actual change of pKa with temperature (pKa/C) is approximately linear. Table 2 presents the pKa and pKa /C for several selected zwitterionic buffers commonly used in biological experimentation.
6.7

6.8
pH

6.9

7.0 0 10 20 Temperature, C 30 40

Figure 5: Effect of Temperature on pH of Phosphate Buffer

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Table 2: pKa and pKa/C of Selected Buffers

Buffer MES ADA BIS-Tris Propane* PIPES ACES BES MOPS TES HEPES HEPPS Tricine Tris* Bicine Glycylglycine CHES CAPS * Not a zwitterionic buffer M.W. 195.2 212.2 282.4 302.4 182.2 213.3 209.3 229.3 238.3 252.3 179.2 121.1 163.2 132.1 207.3 221.32 pKa (20C) 6.15 6.60 6.80 6.80 6.90 7.15 7.20 7.50 7.55 8.00 8.15 8.30 8.35 8.40 9.50 10.40 pKa (37C) 5.97 6.43 6.66 6.56 6.88 6.98 7.16 7.30 7.80 7.79 7.82 8.04 7.95 9.36 10.08 pKa/C 0.011 -0.011 0.016 0.009 0.020 0.016 0.006 0.020 0.014 0.007 0.021 0.031 0.018 0.028 0.009 0.009 Binding to Metal Ions Negligible metal ion binding Cu2+, Ca2+, Mn2+. Weaker binding with Mg2+. Negligible metal ion binding Cu2+. Does not bind Mg2+, Ca2+, or Mn2+. Cu2+. Does not bind Mg2+, Ca2+, or Mn2+. Negligible metal ion binding Slightly to Cu2+. Does not bind Mg2+, Ca2+, or Mn2+. None None Cu2+. Weaker binding with Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+. Negligible metal ion binding Cu2+. Weaker binding with Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+. Cu2+. Weaker binding with Mn2+.

Effects of Buffers on Factors Other than pH

It is of utmost importance that researchers establish the criteria and determine the suitability of a particular buffer system. Some weak acids and bases may interfere with the reaction system. For example, citrate and phosphate buffers are not recommended for systems that are highly calcium-dependent. Citric acid and its salts are powerful calcium chelators. Phosphates react with calcium producing insoluble calcium phosphate that precipitates out of the system. Phosphate ions in buffers can inhibit the activity of some enzymes, such as carboxypeptidase, fumarease, carboxylase, and phosphoglucomutase. Tris(hydroxy-methyl)aminomethane can chelate copper and also acts as a competitive inhibitor of some enzymes. Other buffers such as ACES, BES, and TES, have a tendency to bind copper. Tris-based buffers are not recommended when studying the metabolic effects of insulin. Buffers such as HEPES and HEPPS are not suitable when a protein assay is performed by using Folin reagent. Buffers with primary amine groups, such as Tris, may interfere with the Bradford dye-binding method of protein assay. Borate buffers are not suitable for gel electrophoresis of protein, they can cause spreading of the zones if polyols are present in the medium.
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Use of Water-Miscible Organic Solvents

Most pH measurements in biological systems are performed in the aqueous phase. However, sometimes mixed aqueous-water-miscible solvents, such as methanol or ethanol, are used for dissolving compounds of biological importance. These organic solvents have dissociation constants that are very low compared to that of pure water or of aqueous buffers (for example, the dissociation constant of methanol at 25C is 1.45 10-17, compared to 1.0 10-14 for water). Small amounts of methanol or ethanol added to the aqueous medium will not affect the pH of the buffer. However, even small traces of water in methanol or DMSO can significantly change the pH of these organic solvents.

Solubility Equilibrium: Effect of pH on Solubility

A brief discussion of the effect of pH on solubility is of significant importance when dissolution of compounds into solvents is under consideration. Changes in pH can affect the solubility of partially soluble ionic compounds. Example:
Mg(OH)2

Mg2+ + 2OH

Here
K = [Mg2+] [OH ]2 [Mg(OH)2]

As a result of the common ion effect, the solubility of Mg(OH)2 can be increased or decreased. When a base is added the concentration of OH increases and shifts the solubility equilibrium to the left causing a diminution in the solubility of Mg(OH)2. When an acid is added to the solution, it neutralizes the OH and shifts the solubility equilibrium to the right. This results in increased dissolution of Mg(OH)2.

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pH Measurements: Some Useful Tips

1. A pH meter may require a warm up time of several minutes. When a pH meter is routinely used in the laboratory, it is better to leave it ON with the function switch at standby. 2. Set the temperature control knob to the temperature of your buffer solution. Always warm or cool your buffer to the desired temperature before checking final pH. 3. Before you begin make sure the electrode is well rinsed with deionized water and wiped off with a clean absorbent paper. 4. Always rinse and wipe the electrode when switching from one solution to another. 5. Calibrate your pH meter by using at least two standard buffer solutions. 6. Do not allow the electrode to touch the sides or bottom of your container. When using a magnetic bar to stir the solution make sure the electrode tip is high enough to prevent any damage. 7. Do not stir the solution while taking the reading. 8. Inspect your electrode periodically. The liquid level should be maintained as per the specification provided with the instrument . 9. Glass electrodes should not be left immersed in solution any longer than necessary. This is important especially when using a solution containing proteins. After several pH measurements of solutions containing proteins, rinse the electrode in a mild alkali solution and then wash several times with deionized water. 10. Water used for preparation of buffers should be of the highest possible purity. Water obtained by a method combining deionization and distillation is highly recommended. 11. To avoid any contamination, do not store water for longer than necessary. Store water in tightly sealed containers to minimize the amount of dissolved gases. 12. One may sterile-filter the buffer solution to prevent any bacterial or fungal growth. This is important when large quantities of buffers are prepared and stored over a long period of time.

15

CHOOSING A BUFFER
1. Recognize the importance of the pKa. Select a buffer that has a pKa value close to the middle of the range required. If you expect the pH to drop during the experiment, choose a buffer with a pKa slightly lower than the working pH. This will permit the buffering action to become more resistant to changes in hydrogen ion concentration as hydrogen ions are liberated. Conversely, if you expect the pH to rise during the experiment, choose a buffer with a pKa slightly higher than the working pH. For best results, the pKa of the buffer should not be affected significantly by buffer concentration, temperature, and the ionic constitution of the medium. 2. Adjust the pH at desired temperature. The pKa of a buffer, and hence the pH, changes slightly with temperature. It is best to adjust the final pH at the desired temperature. 3. Prepare buffers at working conditions. Always try to prepare your buffer solution at the temperature and concentration you plan to use during the experiment. If you prepare stock solutions, make dilutions just prior to use. 4. Purity and cost. Compounds used should be stable and be available in high purity and at moderate cost. 5. Spectral properties: Buffer materials should have no significant absorbance in the 240 to 700 nm range. 6. Some weak acids (or bases) are unsuitable for use as buffers in certain cases. Citrate and phosphate buffers are not suitable for systems that are highly calcium-dependent. Citric acid and its salts are chelators of calcium and calcium phosphates are insoluble and will precipitate out. Use of these buffers may lower the calcium levels required for optimum reaction. Tris (hy droxymethyl)aminomethane is known to chelate calcium and other essential metals. 7. Buffer materials and their salts can be used together for convenient buffer preparation. Many buffer materials are supplied both as a free acid (or base) and its corresponding salt. This is convenient when making a series of buffers with different pH. For example, solutions of 0.1 M HEPES and 0.1 M HEPES, sodium salt, can be mixed in an infinite number of ratios between 10:1 and 1:0 to provide 0.1 M HEPES buffer with pH values ranging from 6.55 to 8.55.

16

8. Use stock solutions to prepare phosphate buffers. Mixing precalculated amounts of monobasic and dibasic sodium phosphates has long been established as the method of choice for preparing phosphate buffer. By mixing the appropriate amounts of monobasic and dibasic sodium phosphate solutions buffers in the desired pH range can be prepared (see examples on page 18). 9. Adjust buffer materials to the working pH. Many buffers are supplied as crystalline acids or bases. The pH of these buffer materials in solution will not be near the pKa, and the materials will not exhibit any buffering capacity until the pH is adjusted. In practice, a buffer material with a pKa near the desired working pH is selected. If this buffer material is a free acid, pH is adjusted to desired working pH level by using a base such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or tetramethyl-ammonium hydroxide. Alternatively, pH for buffer materials obtained as free bases must be adjusted by adding a suitable acid. 10. Use buffers without mineral cations when appropriate. Tetramethylammonium hydroxide fits this criterion. The basicity of this organic quaternary amine is equivalent to that of sodium or potassium hydroxide. Buffers prepared with this base can be supplemented at will with various inorganic cations during the evaluation of mineral ion effects on enzymes or other bioparticulate activities. 11. Use a graph to calculate buffer composition. Figure 6 shows the theoretical plot of pH versus [A]/[HA] on two-cycle semilog paper. As most commonly used buffers exhibit only trivial deviations from theoretical value in the pH range, this plot can be of immense value in calculating the relative amounts of buffer components required for a particular pH. For example, suppose one needs 0.1 M MOPS buffer, pH 7.6 at 20C. At 20C, the pKa for MOPS is 7.2. Thus, the working pH is about 0.4 pH units above the reported pKa. According to the chart presented, this pH corresponds to a MOPS sodium/MOPS ratio of 2.5, and 0.1 M solutions of MOPS and MOPS sodium mixed in this ratio will give the required pH. If any significant deviations from theoretical values are observed, one should check the proper working conditions and specifications of their pH meter. The graph can also be used to calculate the amount of acid (or base) required to adjust a free base buffer material (or free acid buffer material) to the desired working pH.

17

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

[A-]/[HA]
1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2

0.1 0.1 -0.8 -0.6 -0.4 -0.2 pKa 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0

pH from pKa
Figure 6: Theoretical plot of pH versus [A]/[HA] on two-cycle semilog paper.

Preparation of Some Common Buffers for Use in Biological Systems

The information provided below is intended only as a general guideline. We strongly recommend the use of a sensitive pH meter with appropriate temperature setting for final pH adjustment. Addition of other chemicals, after adjusting the pH, may change the final pH value to some extent. The buffer concentrations in the tables below are used only as examples. You may select higher or lower concentrations depending upon your experimental needs.

1. Hydrochloric Acid-Potassium Chloride Buffer (HCl-KCl); pH Range 1.0 to 2.2

(a) 0.1 M Potassium chloride : 7.45 g/l (M.W.: 74.5) (b) 0.1 M Hydrochloric acid

Mix 50 ml of potassium chloride and indicated volume of hydrochloric acid. Mix and adjust the final volume to 100 ml with deionized water. Adjust the final pH using a sensitive pH meter.
ml of HCl pH 97 1.0 64.5 1.2 41.5 1.4 26.3 1.6 16.6 1.8 10.6 2.0 6.7 2.2

18

2. Glycine-HCl Buffer; pH range 2.2 to 3.6

(a) 0.1 M Glycine: 7.5 g/l (M.W.: 75.0) (b) 0.1 M Hydrochloric acid

Mix 50 ml of glycine and indicated volume of hydrochloric acid. Mix and adjust the final volume to 100 ml with deionized water. Adjust the final pH using a sensitive pH meter.
ml of HCl pH 44.0 2.2 32.4 2.4 24.2 2.6 16.8 2.8 11.4 3.0 8.2 3.2 6.4 3.4 5.0 3.6

3. Citrate Buffer; pH range 3.0 to 6.2

(a) 0.1 M Citric acid: 19.21 g/l (M.W.: 192.1) (b) 0.1 M Sodium citrate dihydrate: 29.4 g/l (M.W.: 294.0)

Mix citric acid and sodium citrate solutions in the proportions indicated and adjust the final volume to 100 ml with deionized water. Adjust the final pH using a sensitive pH meter. The use of pentahydrate salt of sodium citrate is not recommended.
ml of Citric acid ml of Sodium citrate pH 46.5 3.5 3.0 40.0 10.0 3.4 35.0 15.0 3.8 31.5 18.5 4.2 25.5 24.5 4.6 20.5 29.5 5.0 16.0 34.0 5.4 11.8 38.2 5.8 7.2 42.8 6.2

4. Acetate Buffer; pH range 3.6 to 5.6 (a) 0.1 M Acetic acid (5.8 ml made to 1000 ml) (b) 0.1 M Sodium acetate; 8.2 g/l (anhydrous; M.W. 82.0) or 13.6 g/l (trihydrate; M.W. 136.0) Mix acetic acid and sodium acetate solutions in the proportions indicated and adjust the final volume to 100 ml with deionized water. Adjust the final pH using a sensitive pH meter.
ml of Acetic acid ml of Sodium acetate pH 46.3 3.7 3.6 41.0 9.0 4.0 30.5 19.5 4.4 20.0 30.0 4.8 14.8 35.2 5.0 10.5 39.5 5.2 4.8 45.2 5.6

19

5. Citrate-Phosphate Buffer; pH range 2.6 to 7.0

(a) 0.1 M Citric acid; 19.21 g/l (M.W. 192.1) (b) 0.2 M Dibasic sodium phosphate; 35.6 g/l (dihydrate; M.W. 178.0) or 53.6 g/l (heptahydrate; M.W. 268.0)

Mix citric acid and sodium phosphate solutions in the proportions indicated and adjust the final volume to 100 ml with deionized water. Adjust the final pH using a sensitive pH meter.
ml of Citric acid ml of Sodium phosphate pH
44.6 5.4 2.6 39.8 10.2 3.0 35.9 14.1 3.4 32.3 17.7 3.8 29.4 20.6 4.2 26.7 23.3 4.6 24.3 25.7 5.0 22.2 27.8 5.4 19.7 30.3 5.8 16.9 33.1 6.2 13.6 36.4 6.6 6.5 43.6 7.0

6. Phosphate Buffer; pH range 5.8 to 8.0

(a) 0.1 M Sodium phosphate monobasic; 13.8 g/l (monohydrate, M.W. 138.0) (b) 0.1 M Sodium phosphate dibasic; 26.8 g/l (heptahydrate, M.W. 268.0)

Mix sodium phosphate monobasic and dibasic solutions in the proportions indicated and adjust the final volume to 200 ml with deionized water. Adjust the final pH using a sensitive pH meter.
ml of Sodium phosphate, Monobasic ml of Sodium phosphate, Dibasic pH
92.0 8.0 5.8 81.5 18.5 6.2 73.5 26.5 6.4 62.5 37.5 6.6 51.0 49.0 6.8 39.0 61.0 7.0 28.0 72.0 7.2 19.0 81.0 7.4 13.0 87.0 7.6 8.5 91.5 7.8 5.3 94.7 8.0

7. Tris-HCl Buffer, pH range 7.2 to 9.0

(a) 0.1 M Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane; 12.1 g/l (M.W.: 121.0) (b) 0.1 M Hydrochloric acid

Mix 50 ml of Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane and indicated volume of hydrochloric acid and adjust the final volume to 200 ml with deionized water. Adjust the final pH using a sensitive pH meter.
ml of HCl pH 44.2 7.2 41.4 7.4 38.4 7.6 32.5 7.8 21.9 8.2 12.2 8.6 5.0 9.0

20

8. Glycine-Sodium Hydroxide, pH 8.6 to 10.6

(a) 0.1 M Glycine; 7.5 g/l (M.W.: 75.0) (b) 0.1 M Sodium hydroxide; 4.0 g/l (M.W.: 40.0)

Mix 50 ml of glycine and indicated volume of sodium hydroxide solutions and adjust the final volume to 200 ml with deionized water. Adjust the final pH using a sensitive pH meter.
ml of Sodium hydroxide pH 4.0 8.6 8.8 9.0 16.8 9.4 27.2 9.8 32.0 10.0 38.6 10.4 45.5 10.6

9. Carbonate-Bicarbonate Buffer, pH range 9.2 to 10.6

(a) 0.1 M Sodium carbonate (anhydrous), 10.6 g/l (M.W.: 106.0) (b) 0.1 M Sodium bicarbonate, 8.4 g/l (M.W.: 84.0)

Mix sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate solutions in the proportions indicated and adjust the final volume to 200 ml with deionized water. Adjust the final pH using a sensitive pH meter.
ml of Sodium carbonate ml of Sodium bicarbonate pH 4.0 46.0 9.2 9.5 40.5 9.4 16.0 34.0 9.6 22.0 28.0 9.8 27.5 22.5 10.0 33.0 17.0 10.2 38.5 11.5 10.4 42.5 7.5 10.6

Calbiochem
Your source for high quality PROTEIN GRADE and ULTROL GRADE detergents for over 55 years.

www.calbiochem.com

21

Commonly Used Buffer Media in Biological Research

Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer, pH 7.4 119 mM NaCl 4.7 mM KCl 2.5 mM CaCl2 1.2 mM MgSO4 1.2 mM KH2PO4 25 mM NaHCO3 pH 7.4 (at 37C) when equilibrated with 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Adjust the pH before use. Hanks Biocarbonate Buffer, pH 7.4 137 mM NaCl 5.4 mM KCl 0.25 mM Na2HPO4 0.44 mM KH2PO4 1.3 mM CaCl2 1.0 mM MgSO4 4.2 mM NaHCO3 pH 7.4 (at 37C) when equilibrated with 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Adjust the pH before use. Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS), pH 7.4 150 mM NaCl 10 mM Potassium Phosphate buffer (1 liter PBS can be prepared by dissolving 8.7 g NaCl, 1.82 g K 2HPO4 3H2O, and 0.23 g KH 2PO4 in 1 liter of distilled water. Adjust the pH before use). A variation of PBS can also be prepared as follows: 137 mM NaCl 2.7 mM KCl 10 mM Na2HPO4 1.76 mM KH2PO4

22

Tris Buffred Saline (TBS), pH 7.4 10 mM Tris 150 mM NaCl (1 liter of TBS can be prepared by dissolving 1.21 g of Tris base and 8.7 g of NaCl in 1 liter of distilled water. Adjust the pH before use. Note: Tris has a pK a of 8.3. Hence, the buffering capacity at pH 7.4 is minimal compared to phosphate buffer (pK a = 7.21). TBST (Tris Buffered saline and TWEEN-20) 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0 150 mM NaCl 0.1% TWEEN-20 Stripping Buffer for Western Blotting Applications 62.5 mM Tris buffer, pH 6.7 to 6.8 2% Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) 100 mM -Mercaptoethanol Cell Lysis Buffer 20 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5) 150 mM NaCl 1 mM Sodium EDTA 1 mM EGTA 1% TRITON X-100 2.5 mM Sodium pyrophosphate 1 mM -Glycerophosphate 1 mM Sodium orthovanadate 1 g/ml Leupeptin

23

Isoelectric Point
The isoelectric point (pI) of a protein is the pH at which any given protein has an equal number of positive and negative charges. At a pH below this point, proteins carry a net positive charge, and above this point they have a net negative charge. This property has important biochemical implications in protein purification and electrophoresis. If the pH of the buffer is higher than the isoelectric point of the protein, it will migrate towards the positive terminal. On the other hand, if the pH of the buffer is lower than the isoelectric point of the protein, it will migrate towards the negative terminal. When the buffer pH is equal to the pI of a protein, it will not migrate at all. A protein can exhibit different charges depending on the pH of the medium. At their pI, proteins exhibit the least electrostatic repulsion, hence they have the lowest solubility at this point and can easily precipitate. This property is useful in crystallization of proteins. In general, positive and negative charges on the surface of protein are balanced around neutral pH. The electrostatic attraction provides the compact shape and greater stability to the protein. However, at extremely low pH, the carboxyl groups are protonated and negative charges decrease. Here proteins gain more electrostatic repulsion and become denatured. When acidic proteins are denatured in an acidic condition, they aggregate easily. On the other hand, when basic proteins are denatured in acidic conditions, they do not aggregate much because the proteins have greater number of positive charges in the acidic condition and the electrostatic repulsion is high. When the pH is brought back to neutral, non-precipitated basic proteins may return to their native structure. This is not generally true for precipitated acidic proteins, which often require treatment with strong denaturants, such as urea or guanidine hydrochloride.

Isoelectric Point of Selected Proteins

Protein Acetylcholinesterase 1-Acid glycoprotein Acid protease Aconitase Adenosine deaminase Adenylate cyclase Adenylate kinase Adenylate kinase Albumin Organism/Tissue Electric eel, Electric organ Human serum Isoelectric Point 4.5 1.8 3.9 8.5 4.75.1 5.96.1 7.58.0 8.59.0 4.65.3

Penicillium duponti
Porcine heart Human erythrocytes Mouse brain Rat liver Human erythrocytes Human serum

24

Isoelectric Point of Selected Proteins, continued

Protein Alcohol dehydrogenase Aldehyde dehydrogenase Aldolase Alkaline phosphatase Alkaline phosphatase cAMP-phosphodiesterase Amylase Amylase Arginase Arginase ATPase (Na+-K+) Carbonic anhydrase Carboxypeptidase B Carnitine acetyltransferase Catalase Cathepsin B Cathepsin D Choline acetyltransferase -Chymotrypsin Collagenase C-Reactive protein DNA polymerase DNase I Dipeptidase Enolase Epidermal growth factor Erythropoietin Ferritin -Fetoprotein Follicle stimulating hormone Fructose 1,6-diphosphatase Galactokinase -Galactosidase Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase -Glucuronidase -Glutamyl transpeptidase Glutathione S-transferase D-Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase L-Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase Glycogen phosphorylase b Growth hormone Guanylate kinase Hemoglobin Hemoglobin A Organism/Tissue Horse liver Rat liver (cytosol) Rabbit muscle Bovine intestine Human liver Rat brain Guinea Pig pancreas Human saliva Rat liver Human liver Dog heart Porcine intestine Human pancreas Calf liver Mouse liver (particulate) Human liver Bovine spleen Human brain Bovine pancreas Isoelectric Point 8.79.3 8.5 8.28.6 4.4 3.9 6.1 8.4 6.26.5 9.4 9.2 5.1 7.3 6.9 6.0 6.7 5.1 6.7 7.8 8.8 5.5 7.4 4.7 4.7 4.9 5.9 4.6 4.85.0 5.05.6 4.8 4.6 5.9 5.8 6.3 5.87.0 6.7 3.0 6.9, 8.1 8.3 6.4 6.3 7.3 5.1 7.0 7.0

Clostridium
Human Human lymphocytes Bovine Porcine kidney Rat liver Mouse submaxillary glands Rabbit plasma Human liver Human serum Sheep pituitary Crab muscle Human placenta Rabbit brain Human erythrocytes Rat liver microsomes Rat hepatoma Rat liver Rabbit muscle Rabbit kidney Human muscle Horse pituitary Human erythrocytes Rabbit erythrocyte Human erythrocytes

25

Protein Hexokinase Insulin Lactate dehydrogenase Leucine aminopeptidase Lipase Malate dehydrogenase Malate dehydrogenase Malic enzyme Myoglobin Nerve Growth Factor Ornithine decarboxylase Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase Phosphofructokinase 3-Phosphoglycerate kinase Phospholipase A Phospholipase C Phosphorylase kinase Pepsin Plasmin Plasminogen Plasminogen proactivator Prolactin Protein kinase A Protein kinase A Prothrombin Pyruvate kinase Pyruvate kinase Renin Ribonuclease RNA polymerase II Superoxide dismutase Thrombin Transferrin Trypsin inhibitor Trypsinogen Guinea Tubulin Urease

Organism/Tissue Yeast Bovine pancreas Rabbit muscle Porcine kidney Human pancreas Rabbit heart (cytosol) Rabbit heart (mitochondria) Rabbit heart mitochondria Horse muscle Mouse salivary gland Rat liver Mouse liver Porcine liver Bovine liver Bee venom C. perfringens Rabbit muscle Porcine stomach Human plasma Human plasma Human plasma Human pituitary Bovine brain catalytic subunit Porcine brain Human plasma Rat liver Rat muscle Human kidney Bovine pancreas Human, HeLa, KB cells Pleurotus olearius Human plasma Human plasma Soybean Porcine pancreas Porcine brain Jack bean

Isoelectric Point 5.3 5.7 8.5 4.5 4.7 5.1 9.2 5.4 6.8, 7.3 9.3 4.1 6.1 5.0 6.4 10.5 5.3 5.8 2.2 7.08.5 6.48.5 8.9 6.5 7.8 4.6 4.64.7 5.7 7.5 5.3 9.3 4.8 7.0 7.1 5.9 4.5 8.7 5.5 4.9

26

Isoelectric Points of Selected Plasma/Serum Proteins

Protein a1-Acid glycoprotein Albumin a1-Antitrypsin Ceruloplasmin Cholinesterase Conalbumin C-Reactive protein Erythropoietin -Fetoprotein Fibrinogen IgG IgD -Lactoglobulin 2-Macroglobulin 2-Macroglobulin Plasmin Prealbumin Prothrombin -Thrombin Thyroxine binding protein Transferrin M.W. 44,000 66,000 51,000 135,000 320,000 110,000 21,000 (unglycosylated) 70,000 340,000 150,000 172,000 44,000 725,000 11,800 83,000 50,00060,000 72,000 37,000 63,000 79,600 Species Human Human Human Human Human Human Human Human Human Human Human Human Bovine Human Human Human Human Human Human Human Human Isoelectric Point 2.7 5.2 4.24.7 4.4 4.0 5.9 4.8 4.85.0 4.8 5.5 5.87.3 4.76.1 5.2 5.4 5.8 7.08.5 4.7 4.74.9 7.1 4.25.2 5.9

Approximate pH and Bicarbonate Concentration in Extracellular Fluids

Fluid Plasma Cerebrospinal fluid Saliva Gastric secretions Tears Aqueous humor Pancreatic juice Sweat pH 7.357.45 7.4 6.47.4 1.02.0 7.07.4 7.4 7.08.0 4.57.5 meq HCO3/liter 28 25 1020 0 525 28 80 010

27

Ionic Composition of Body Fluids

Ion Plasma Intracellular Fluid [mEq/l] Sodium Potassium Calcium Magnesium Chloride Bicarbonate Phosphate Sulfate 142 4 5 2 101 27 2 1 10 160 2 26 3 10 100 20

Ionization Constants K and pKa for Selected Acids and Bases in Water
Acids and Bases Acetic Acid Citric Acid Formic Acid Glycine Imidazole Phosphoric Acid Pyruvic Acid Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane Ionization Constant (K) 1.75 10-5 7.4 10-4 1.7 10-5 4.0 10-7 1.76 10-4 4.5 10-3 1.7 10-10 1.01 10-7 7.5 10 6.2 10-8 4.8 10-13 3.23 10-3 8.32 10-9
-3

pKa 4.76 3.13 4.77 6.40 3.75 2.35 9.77 6.95 2.12 7.21 12.32 2.49 8.08

Physical Properties of Some Commonly Used Acids

Acid Acetic Acid Hydrochloric Acid Nitric Acid Perchloric Acid (72%) Phosphoric Acid Sulfuric Acid Molecular Weight 60.05 36.46 63.02 100.46 98.00 98.08 Specific Gravity 1.06 1.19 1.42 1.68 1.70 1.84 % Weight/ Weight 99.50 37 70 72 85 96 Approx. Normality 17.6 12.1 15.7 11.9 44.1 36.0 ml required to make 1 liter of 1 N solution 57 83 64 84 23 28

28

Some Useful Tips for Calculation of Concentrations and Spectrophotometric Measurements

As per Beers law A = abc Where A = absorbance a = proportionality constant defined as absorptivity b = light path in cm c = concentration of the absorbing compound When b is 1 cm and c is moles/liter, the symbol a is substituted by the symbol (epsilon). is a constant for a given compound at a given wavelength under prescribed conditions of solvent, temperature, pH and is called as molar absorptivity. is used to characterize compounds and establish their purity. Example: Bilirubin dissolved in chloroform at 25C should have a molar absorptivity of 60,700. Molecular weight of bilirubin is 584. Hence 5 mg/liter (0.005 g/l) read in 1 cm cuvette should have an absorbance of A = (60,700)(1)(0.005/584) = 0.52 {A = abc} Conversely, a solution of this concentration showing absorbance of 0.49 should have a purity of 94% (0.49/0.52). In most biochemical and toxicological work, it is customary to list constants based on concentrations in g/dl rather than mol/liter. This is also common when molecular weight of the substance is not precisely known. Here for b = 1 cm; and c = 1 g/dl (1%), A can be written as

A 1% cm

This constant is known as absorption coefficient. The direct proportionality between absorbance and concentration must be established experimentally for a given instrument under specified conditions.

29

Frequently there is a linear relationship up to a certain concentration. Within these limitations, a calibration constant (K) may be derived as follows: A = abc. Therefore, c = A/ab = A 1/ab. The absorptivity (a) and light path (b) remain constant in a given method of analysis. Hence, 1/ab can be replaced by a constant (K). Then, c = A K; where K = c/A. The value of the constant K is obtained by measuring the absorbance (A) of a standard of known concentration (c).

EMD Buffers
We offer an extensive line of buffer materials that meet the highest standards of quality. We are continuing to broaden our line of ULTROL Grade Buffer materials, which are of superior quality and are manufactured to meet stringent specifications. In addition, whenever possible, they are screened for uniform particle size, giving uniform solubility characteristics.
BES, Free Acid, ULTROL Grade [N,N-bis-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-2aminoethanesulfonic Acid] M.W. 213.3 Cat. No. 391334 Bicine, ULTROL Grade [N,N-bis-(2-Hydroxyethyl)glycine] M.W. 163.2 Cat. No. 391336 BIS-Tris, ULTROL Grade {bis(2-Hydroxyethyl)imino]tris(hydroxymethyl)methane} M.W. 209.2 Cat. No. 391335 Boric Acid, Molecular Biology Grade M.W. 61.8 Cat. No. 203667 25 g Cacodylic Acid, Sodium Salt (Sodium Dimethyl Arsenate) M.W. 160.0 Cat. No. 205541 500 g 1 kg 5 kg

100 g

100 g 1 kg

CAPS, ULTROL Grade [3-(Cyclohexylamino)propanesulfonic Acid] M.W. 221.3 100 g Cat. No. 239782 1 kg 100 g 1 kg CHES, ULTROL Grade [2-(N-Cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic Acid] M.W. 207.3 100 g Cat. No. 239779 Citric Acid, Monohydrate, Molecular Biology Grade M.W. 210.1 100 g Cat. No. 231211 1 kg

BIS-Tris Propane, ULTROL Grade {1,3-bis[tris(Hydroxymethyl)methylamino]propane} M.W. 282.4 100 g Cat. No. 394111 1 kg

30

Glycine, Free Base M.W. 75.1 Cat. No. 3570 Glycine, Molecular Biology Grade M.W. 75.1 Cat. No. 357002 Glycylglycine, Free Base M.W. 132.1 Cat. No. 3630

500 g

MOPS, Sodium, ULTROL Grade [3-(N-Morpholino)propanesulfonic Acid, Na] M.W. 231.2 100 g Cat. No. 475899 1 kg MOPS/EDTA Buffer, 10X Liquid Concentrate, Molecular Biology Grade M.W. 209.3 100 ml Cat. No. 475916 PBS Tablets (Phosphate Buffered Saline Tablets) Cat. No. 524650

100 g 1 kg

25 g 100 g

HEPES, Free Acid, Molecular Biology Grade (N-2-Hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-2-ethanesulfonic Acid) M.W. 238.3 25 g Cat. No. 391340 50 g HEPES, Free Acid, ULTROL Grade (N-2-Hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-2-ethanesulfonic Acid) M.W. 238.3 25 g Cat. No. 391338 100 g 500 g 1 kg 5 kg HEPES, Free Acid, ULTROL Grade, 1 M Solution M.W. 238.3 Cat. No. 375368

1 each (10 tablets)

PBS-TWEEN Tablets (Phosphate Buffered Saline-TWEEN 20 Tablets) Cat. No. 524653 1 each (10 tablets) PIPES, Free Acid, ULTROL Grade [Piperazine-N,N-bis(2-ethanesulfonic Acid)] M.W. 302.4 100 g Cat. No. 528131 1 kg PIPES, Sesquisodium Salt, ULTROL Grade [Piperazine-N,N-bis(2-ethanesulfonic Acid),1.5Na] M.W. 335.3 Cat. No. 528132

100 ml 500 ml

100 g 1 kg

HEPES, Sodium Salt, ULTROL Grade (N-2-Hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-2-ethanesulfonic Acid, Na) M.W. 260.3 100 g Cat. No. 391333 500 g 1 kg Imidazole, ULTROL Grade (1,3-Diaza-2,4-cyclopentadiene ) M.W. 68.1 Cat. No. 4015 MES, Free Acid, ULTROL Grade [2-(N-Morpholino)ethanesulfonic Acid] M.W. 195.2 Cat. No. 475893 MES, Sodium Salt, ULTROL Grade [2-(N-Morpholino)ethanesulfonic Acid, Na] M.W. 217.2 Cat. No. 475894 MOPS, Free Acid, ULTROL Grade [3-(N-Morpholino)propanesulfonic Acid] M.W. 209.3 Cat. No. 475898

PIPPS [Piperazine-N,N-bis(3-propanesulfonic Acid)] M.W. 330.4 10 g Cat. No. 528315 Potassium Phosphate, Dibasic, Trihydrate, Molecular Biology Grade M.W. 228.2 250 g 1 kg Cat. No. 529567 Potassium Phosphate, Monobasic, Molecular Biology Grade M.W. 136.1 250 g 1 kg Cat. No. 529568 Sodium Citrate, Dihydrate, Molecular Biology Grade M.W. 294.1 100 g 1 kg Cat. No. 567446 5 kg Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic M.W. 142.0 500 g 1 kg Cat. No. 567550 Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic, Molecular Biology Grade M.W. 142.0 Cat. No. 567547

25 g 100 g

100 g 500 g 1 kg

100 g 1 kg

100 g 500 g 1 kg

250 g 1 kg

31

Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic M.W. 120.0 Cat. No. 567545

250 g 500 g 1 kg

Triethylammonium Acetate, 1 M Solution M.W. 161.2 1 liter Cat. No. 625718 Tris Base, Molecular Biology Grade [tris(Hydroxymethyl)aminomethane] M.W. 121.1 Cat. No. 648310

Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic, Monohydrate, Molecular Biology Grade M.W. 138.0 250 g 1 kg Cat. No. 567549 SSC Buffer, 20X Powder Pack, ULTROL Grade 2 pack Cat. No. 567780 TAPS, ULTROL Grade (3-{[tris(Hydroxymethyl)methyl]amino}propanesulfonic Acid) M.W. 243.2 Cat. No. 394675

100 g 500 g 1 kg 2.5 kg

Tris Base, ULTROL Grade [tris(Hydroxymethyl)aminomethane] M.W. 121.1 Cat. No. 648311

100 g 1 kg

100 g 500 g 1 kg 5 kg 10 kg

TBE Buffer, 10X Powder Pack, ULTROL Grade (10X Tris-Borate-EDTA Buffer) 2 pack Cat. No. 574796 TES, Free Acid, ULTROL Grade (2-{[tris(Hydroxymethyl)methyl]amino}ethanesulfonic Acid) M.W. 229.3 Cat. No. 39465 Tricine, ULTROL Grade {N-[tris(Hydroxymethyl)methyl]glycine} M.W. 179.2 Cat. No. 39468 Triethanolamine, Hydrochloride* M.W. 185.7 Cat. No. 641752

Tris Buffer, 1.0 M, pH 8.0, Molecular Biology Grade M.W. 121.1 100 ml Cat. No. 648314 Tris Buffer, 100 mM, pH 7.4, Molecular Biology Grade M.W. 121.1 100 ml Cat. No. 648315 Tris, Hydrochloride, Molecular Biology Grade [tris(Hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, HCl] M.W. 157.6 100 ml 1 kg Cat. No. 648317 Tris, Hydrochloride, ULTROL Grade [tris(Hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, HCl] M.W. 157.6 Cat. No. 648313

100 g 1 kg

100 g 1 kg

1 kg

250 g 500 g 1 kg

* Not available for sale outside of North America.

Copyright 2006 EMD Biosciences, Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. All rights reserved. CALBIOCHEM , PROTEIN GRADE , AND ULTROL are registered trademarks of EMD Biosciences, Inc. in the United States and in certain other jurisdictions. TRITON is a registered trademark of Don Chemical Company, TWEEN is a registered trademark of ICI Americas Inc.

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CB0052-2006 USD Buffers Booklet