A concentrated buffer solution, when diluted, yields a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. The “10x” designation indicates that the concentrate is ten times stronger than the standard working solution. A formulation for this concentrate involves dissolving specific amounts of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, disodium phosphate, and potassium phosphate in water. For example, a typical recipe might call for dissolving 80g NaCl, 2g KCl, 14.4g Na2HPO4, and 2.4g KH2PO4 in 800mL of distilled water, followed by adjusting the pH to 7.4 and bringing the final volume to 1 liter.
This concentrate is a crucial component in biological and biochemical research due to its widespread use as an isotonic buffer. The advantages of utilizing it include reducing storage space and preparation time. Historical use reveals its importance in cell culture, where it maintains a stable pH and osmotic balance, preventing cell damage. Further, its compatibility with numerous biological assays makes it an invaluable resource in laboratories worldwide.