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| Name | HEPES for Buffer Solutions |
| Brand | Sigma-Aldrich |
| Quantity | 100 g |
| Size | powder form |
| Purity | ≥99.5% (titration) |
| MW | 260.31 g/mol |
| PH Range | 6.8 - 8.2 |
| Melting Point | 234-238°C |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Storage | Store at room temperature |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Application | Used as a buffering agent in biological research |
| Shelf Life | 2 years |
| Cas Number | 7365-45-9 |
| EC Number | 230-907-3 |
| MDL Number | MFCD00006158 |
| Pubchem CID | 24776 |
FAQ
What is HEPES and why is it commonly used in buffer solutions?
HEPES, or 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid, is a buffering agent frequently utilized in biochemical and biological research. It is known for its effectiveness in maintaining stable pH levels in cell culture media and other solutions. HEPES is a zwitterionic compound, meaning it carries both positive and negative charges, which allows it to resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added.
How does HEPES differ from other buffering agents like phosphate or Tris?
HEPES offers several advantages over other buffering agents commonly used in biological research. Unlike phosphate buffers, HEPES is not affected by changes in temperature and does not participate in enzyme reactions. This makes it ideal for maintaining stable pH levels in cell cultures and other sensitive experiments. Additionally, compared to Tris buffers, HEPES has a higher buffering capacity and is less likely to interfere with biological processes.
What are some common applications of HEPES in laboratory settings?
HEPES is widely used in various laboratory applications, including cell culture, protein purification, and molecular biology experiments. It is often added to cell culture media to maintain a stable pH environment for cell growth and viability. HEPES is also commonly used in protein isolation and purification procedures, as well as in enzymatic assays where precise pH control is critical. Molecular biologists frequently rely on HEPES for buffer solutions when working with DNA and RNA samples.
How should HEPES buffer solutions be prepared and stored for optimal performance?
HEPES buffer solutions should be prepared by dissolving the appropriate amount of HEPES powder in distilled water at the desired concentration. The pH of the solution can then be adjusted using either hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. It is important to ensure that the pH is accurately measured and adjusted, as HEPES is most effective within a specific pH range (usually around 7.2 to 7.6). Prepared HEPES buffer solutions should be stored at room temperature in a sealed container to prevent contamination and pH changes over time.
Are there any limitations or considerations when using HEPES buffer solutions in experiments?
While HEPES is a versatile and effective buffering agent, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind when using it in experiments. HEPES can interfere with certain enzymatic reactions and may not be suitable for all biological processes. Additionally, HEPES is not recommended for use in experiments that require pH levels below 6.8 or above 8.2, as it may not provide sufficient buffering capacity outside of this range. Researchers should also be mindful of the potential interactions between HEPES and other components in their experimental setup, as these can impact the overall effectiveness of the buffer solution.
HEPES, or 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid, is a buffering agent frequently utilized in biochemical and biological research. It is known for its effectiveness in maintaining stable pH levels in cell culture media and other solutions. HEPES is a zwitterionic compound, meaning it carries both positive and negative charges, which allows it to resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added.
How does HEPES differ from other buffering agents like phosphate or Tris?
HEPES offers several advantages over other buffering agents commonly used in biological research. Unlike phosphate buffers, HEPES is not affected by changes in temperature and does not participate in enzyme reactions. This makes it ideal for maintaining stable pH levels in cell cultures and other sensitive experiments. Additionally, compared to Tris buffers, HEPES has a higher buffering capacity and is less likely to interfere with biological processes.
What are some common applications of HEPES in laboratory settings?
HEPES is widely used in various laboratory applications, including cell culture, protein purification, and molecular biology experiments. It is often added to cell culture media to maintain a stable pH environment for cell growth and viability. HEPES is also commonly used in protein isolation and purification procedures, as well as in enzymatic assays where precise pH control is critical. Molecular biologists frequently rely on HEPES for buffer solutions when working with DNA and RNA samples.
How should HEPES buffer solutions be prepared and stored for optimal performance?
HEPES buffer solutions should be prepared by dissolving the appropriate amount of HEPES powder in distilled water at the desired concentration. The pH of the solution can then be adjusted using either hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. It is important to ensure that the pH is accurately measured and adjusted, as HEPES is most effective within a specific pH range (usually around 7.2 to 7.6). Prepared HEPES buffer solutions should be stored at room temperature in a sealed container to prevent contamination and pH changes over time.
Are there any limitations or considerations when using HEPES buffer solutions in experiments?
While HEPES is a versatile and effective buffering agent, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind when using it in experiments. HEPES can interfere with certain enzymatic reactions and may not be suitable for all biological processes. Additionally, HEPES is not recommended for use in experiments that require pH levels below 6.8 or above 8.2, as it may not provide sufficient buffering capacity outside of this range. Researchers should also be mindful of the potential interactions between HEPES and other components in their experimental setup, as these can impact the overall effectiveness of the buffer solution.
