Specifications Table
Product Name – HEPES free acid, 99+%, for molecular biology, DNase, Rnase and Protease free
Quantity/Pack Size – 50GR, 500GR
Form – Free acid (powder)
Grade – Molecular biology grade (99%+ purity)
Application – pH buffering in cell culture, nucleic acid research, and enzymatic assays
Product Overview
HEPES free acid is a zwitterionic organic buffering agent designed for maintaining physiological pH in biological systems. With a purity of 99%+, this molecular biology-grade reagent is rigorously tested to be free from DNase, RNase, and protease contaminants, ensuring integrity in sensitive applications. Its pKa of 7.5 at 25°C makes it ideal for buffering in the 6.8–8.2 range, providing stable pH control without interfering with metal ions or biological processes. The powder form allows for flexible preparation of solutions at desired concentrations, while its low toxicity and minimal cellular effects enhance compatibility with live-cell experiments. Unlike bicarbonate-based buffers, HEPES does not produce CO₂, eliminating pH fluctuations in open systems. This high-quality free acid variant avoids sodium or potassium counterions, offering precise control over ionic composition in experimental setups. Its chemical stability under standard storage conditions ensures long shelf life without degradation.
FAQs
1. What is the solubility of HEPES free acid in water?
HEPES free acid is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 238 mg/mL at 20°C. For complete dissolution, adjust the pH to 7.0–7.6 using NaOH or KOH.
2. Can this HEPES be autoclaved for sterilization?
Yes, HEPES solutions (typically 10–50 mM) can be autoclaved at 121°C for 20 minutes without significant degradation or pH shifts.
3. How does HEPES compare to Tris buffer for cell culture?
HEPES provides more stable pH control in atmospheric CO₂ conditions compared to Tris, which is highly temperature-sensitive. HEPES also exhibits lower toxicity at equivalent concentrations.
4. What is the recommended storage temperature for HEPES free acid?
Store the powder at room temperature (15–25°C) in a tightly sealed container, protected from moisture and light. Prepared solutions should be refrigerated at 2–8°C.
5. Is this HEPES compatible with calcium/magnesium-containing media?
Yes, HEPES does not chelate divalent cations like EDTA, making it fully compatible with media containing calcium or magnesium salts.