HEPES sodium salt solution (1M) (CAS 75277-39-3)

HEPES sodium salt solution, commonly prepared at a 1M concentration, is extensively used in biochemical and physiological research due to its excellent buffering capacity and minimal interference with biological processes. HEPES (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid) is a zwitterionic organic chemical buffering agent, which makes the sodium salt form highly effective in maintaining the pH of biological and chemical solutions near neutrality, typically within a range of pH 6.8 to 8.2. In scientific research, HEPES sodium salt solution is crucial in cell culture applications. It stabilizes the pH of media, especially in environments lacking CO2 control, thus providing an optimal ionic and pH stable environment conducive for cell growth and functioning. This stability is vital during in vitro experiments where external fluctuations in pH could affect cellular metabolism and the overall biological response being studied. Additionally, HEPES is favored in molecular biology, particularly in RNA and DNA extraction processes where maintaining pH stability is critical to prevent the degradation of nucleic acids. The buffer′s ability to maintain a consistent pH during temperature fluctuations is particularly valuable during enzymatic reactions, such as those occurring in polymerase chain reactions (PCR) or during protein purification protocols.