Phosphate Buffered Saline: powder for 5 L of 10X

Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) is a buffer solution commonly used in biological research. It is a water-based salt solution containing sodium chloride, sodium phosphate, and, in some formulations, potassium chloride and potassium phosphate. The solution is designed to mimic the osmolarity and ion concentrations, which makes it isotonic and non-toxic to cells. The primary function of PBS in scientific research is to maintain the pH in the range of 7.4, which is critical for maintaining cellular function and structural integrity during experiments. As a buffer, PBS provides a stable environment for biochemical reactions and is particularly useful in immuno-assay procedures, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and for washing procedures in cell culture to remove traces of medium and serum. PBS also serves as a diluent for preparing solutions of drugs, hormones, and other test substances. The formulation of PBS as a 10X concentrate allows for convenient storage and dilution to the desired strength as needed in experimental protocols. The powder form enhances its stability, making it easy to ship and store until it is reconstituted in distilled water to make a working solution. PBS is crucial in a variety of research settings, particularly in molecular biology, cellular biology, and genetics, where precise conditions are necessary to ensure the accuracy of experimental results. Its inert nature means that it does not interfere with the biological processes being studied, thereby providing consistent and reliable results.