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In the rapidly evolving landscape of biological and biochemical research, the demand for reliable and effective buffering agents has never been greater. Among the array of options available, HEPES (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid) stands out as a top choice for scientists and researchers worldwide. With its unique properties and wide-ranging applications, HEPES has become an indispensable tool in various research fields.
Technical Specifications:
- IUPAC Name: 4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-ethane-sulfonic acid
- Appearance: White crystalline powder
- Purity: ≥ 99.5%
- CAS No: 7365-45-9
- Effective pH Range: 6.8-8.2
- Chemical Formula: C8H18N2O4S
- Weight:238.30 g/mol
- Packages:500g/1Kg/10Kg/25Kg
Key Features and Advantages of HEPES
- Zwitterionic Nature:
HEPES is a zwitterionic buffer, meaning it carries both positive and negative charges. This unique characteristic ensures stability over a broad pH range, making it an excellent choice for maintaining the physiological pH in various biological systems. - Effective pH Range: HEPES is highly effective in the pH range of 6.8 to 8.2, which is particularly suitable for most biological applications. This pH range is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of proteins, enzymes, and other biomolecules.
- High Purity:
Our HEPES buffer boasts a purity level of ≥ 99.5%, ensuring minimal interference in sensitive experiments. This high purity level is critical for applications where contaminants could significantly affect results. - Low UV Absorbance:
HEPES has low absorbance in the UV range, making it ideal for applications that require optical transparency, such as spectrophotometric assays.
Applications of HEPES
- Cell Culture:
HEPES is one of the most commonly used buffers in cell culture media, ensuring a stable pH environment crucial for cell growth and viability. - Protein Purification and Extraction:
The stability of HEPES across a broad pH range makes it an excellent buffer for protein purification and extraction, where maintaining protein integrity is essential. - Electroporation:
In the process of introducing DNA or RNA into cells via electroporation, HEPES helps maintain a stable pH, which is critical for cell survival and the success of gene transfer. - Gel Electrophoresis:
HEPES is frequently used in gel electrophoresis buffers, providing a stable environment for the separation and analysis of nucleic acids and proteins. - pH Studies in Seed Germination:
Researchers use HEPES in studies exploring the impact of pH on seed germination, allowing for precise control of experimental conditions. - In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Culture:
HEPES is commonly used as a buffer in in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, where maintaining a stable pH is crucial for the development of embryos. - Plant Research:
HEPES serves as a grinding buffer in plant research, helping to maintain the stability of plant extracts during experimentation. - Protein Binding Studies:
In protein research, HEPES is often used as a binding buffer, facilitating the study of protein interactions without compromising their native structure. - Cation Exchange Chromatography:
In chromatography, HEPES is used as an eluent in cation exchange methods, ensuring consistent and reliable results in the separation of charged molecules. - Bradford and BCA Assays:
HEPES is compatible with Bradford and BCA protein assays, which are widely used for protein quantification. - Cosmetics:
In the cosmetic industry, HEPES is valued for its exfoliating properties and its ability to enhance the transdermal absorption of active ingredients, making it a popular choice in skin care formulations.
Conclusion
As a research scientist or industry professional, the choice of buffer can significantly impact the outcome of your experiments and product formulations. With its high purity, zwitterionic nature, and broad application potential, HEPES is a powerful tool in the quest for scientific discovery and innovation.
