PIPES buffer (Piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid)) is a reliable Good’s buffer for biochemistry and molecular biology applications requiring stable pH control. With a pKa of approximately 6.8, PIPES is effective within a pH range of 6.1 to 7.5, making it ideal for cell culture, enzyme assays, and protein purification. Its low metal ion binding and chemical stability ensure compatibility with gel electrophoresis, electron microscopy, and protein crystallization.
Maintains pH stability for consistent experimental results
Low interaction with metal ions supports sensitive biochemical assays
Versatile applications in chromatography, isoelectric focusing, and microscopy
Widely used in biochemical research and structural biology, PIPES buffer provides the stability and reliability needed for precision-driven scientific experiments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PIPES buffer preferred for electron microscopy and protein crystallization?
PIPES maintains stable pH without forming complexes with metal ions, making it ideal for high-resolution imaging and structural studies in electron microscopy and crystallization experiments.
Can PIPES buffer be used for gel electrophoresis?
Yes! PIPES is frequently used as a running buffer in electrophoresis due to its buffering capacity in the pH 6.1–7.5 range, ensuring accurate protein and nucleic acid separation.
How does PIPES compare to other Good’s buffers like HEPES or MES?
PIPES is optimal for slightly acidic to near-neutral pH applications (6.1–7.5), whereas HEPES is better for physiological pH (6.8–8.2), and MES is suited for more acidic conditions (5.5–7.0). Choosing the right buffer depends on your experimental pH needs.
