Overview
Boric acid buffer is a pH-stabilizing solution composed of boric acid (H₃BO₃) and its conjugate base, typically adjusted with sodium hydroxide. The buffer system operates effectively between pH 7.6-9.2, making it particularly valuable in biochemical applications where alkaline conditions are required. Its chemical stability and low conductivity have established it as a preferred choice for electrophoretic techniques. First developed in the early 20th century, boric acid buffers gained prominence in ophthalmic solutions before becoming standard in molecular biology workflows. Modern formulations may include additional buffering agents like EDTA to enhance functionality for specific applications such as DNA gel electrophoresis.
Physical and Chemical Properties
The buffer typically appears as a clear, colorless liquid with density slightly higher than water due to dissolved salts. Its pH remains stable against dilution and moderate temperature changes (20-37°C), though prolonged exposure to heat can cause boric acid crystallization. The buffer exhibits minimal UV absorbance above 220 nm, making it suitable for spectroscopic applications. Chemically, the buffer maintains equilibrium through the borate-boric acid system (pKa = 9.24 at 25°C). This allows effective buffering capacity even at relatively high dilutions. The solution's ionic strength can be modified by adjusting salt concentrations, with 0.5-1.0 M being common for electrophoretic applications.
Main Applications
In molecular biology, boric acid buffer serves as the standard medium for DNA/RNA electrophoresis, particularly for fragments smaller than 500 bp where its resolution surpasses Tris-acetate-EDTA (TAE) buffers. Diagnostic laboratories utilize it in ELISA wash buffers and hybridization solutions due to its protein-stabilizing properties. Industrial applications include use in cooling systems as a corrosion inhibitor and in textile manufacturing as a dye-fixing agent. The medical field employs diluted formulations in eye care products, though recent regulations have limited this use due to potential toxicity concerns with prolonged exposure.
Safety and Storage
While generally low-risk, concentrated boric acid buffer requires proper handling precautions. PPE including gloves and eye protection should be worn during preparation. The solution is not considered hazardous waste at typical laboratory concentrations (≤0.5 M), but local regulations should be verified. For long-term storage, maintain solutions at 2-8°C in HDPE or glass containers. Polycarbonate should be avoided as borates can degrade the material. Shelf life typically exceeds 12 months when properly stored, though microbial growth may occur in non-sterile formulations. Always check for precipitation before use.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing boric acid buffer, specify: 1) Exact pH requirement (typically 8.0-8.6 for molecular biology), 2) Presence/absence of EDTA or other additives, 3) Sterility requirements, and 4) Certifications (e.g., USP, EP for medical use). Bulk purchases (≥20L) often yield 15-30% cost savings. For electrophoresis applications, verify the buffer's conductivity specifications as this directly impacts run times and resolution. Industrial buyers should request material compatibility data when the buffer will contact metals or polymers. Consider ready-to-use formulations to reduce preparation errors in critical applications.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：草酸、柠檬酸、尿素、硼酸缓冲液、氟硅酸钠
- 主营：硼酸缓冲液、SCIEX试剂、熔融石英毛细管、试剂盒
- 主营：生物dna、dna病毒、dna回收、硼酸缓冲液、植物dna、dna产物、基因组dna、小提试剂盒、提取试剂盒、两步法细菌、离心柱式血液、酵母质粒提取、蛋白浓度测定、细胞增殖检测
- 主营：标准溶液/试液、指示液、中药对照药材、缓冲液、中药对照品、2025药典、滴定溶液、化学分析标准品、杂质对照品、空白基质、硝酸银滴定溶液、氯化钙试液、稳定同位素化合物、稀甘油、高氯酸滴定溶液、稀醋酸、碘化钾碘试液、氯化钠溶液
- 主营：培养基、动物红细胞、原代细胞、硼酸缓冲液、细胞系、Elisa试剂盒
- 主营：福美钠、漂白粉、次氯酸钠、硼酸品质保证、强氯精、漂粉精、DOP、DBP、蛋白胨
- 主营：胰蛋白胨、骨蛋白胨、牛肉浸膏、硼酸湖北厂家、福美钠、漂粉精、漂白精、次氯酸钙、单乙醇胺、三乙醇胺、三甘醇、防辐射钡粉、茶皂素、大苏打、小苏打、甘氨酸、九水硫化钠
- 主营：优氯净、甘氨酸、切削液、硼酸本地供应商、二萘酚、桦焦油、甘露醇、水杨酸、硫酸锰、平平加、肌氨酸、磷酸氢、磷酸镁、牛磺酸、磷酸铁、铵明矾、蛋白胨、碳酸镁、磷酸铝、戊二醛、氯化锰、纤维素、黄糊精、硫化钠、硫化钡、木质素
- 主营：优氯净、甘氨酸、磷酸硼、硼酸厂家、水杨酸、硫酸锰、苯甲醇、平平加、正辛烷、一乙胺、磷酸氢、白僵菌、蛋白胨、碳酸镁、磷酸铝、异丁酸、叔丁醇、硫化钡、木质素、醋酸钡、硫化钙、氯化锌、黄原胶、磺酸钙、氟化镁、异丙醇
- 主营：甲酸、冰醋酸、磷酸、硼酸、乙酸乙酯、液碱、片碱、粒碱、氨水、亚硝酸钠、焦亚硫酸钠、漂白粉、甘油丙三醇、碳酸氢钠、元明粉、次氯酸钠、氢氧化铵、偏硅酸钠、聚合氯化铝
- 主营：显色试剂、化妆品原料、采样管添加剂、硼酸、采血管添加剂
- 主营：标准溶液、标准滴定溶液、Ph缓冲溶液、硼酸、电导率校正液、中国药典试液
- 主营：甘氨酸、阻燃剂、增稠剂、传热剂、糊树脂、胶黏剂、封口蜡、硫酸锆、硫酸锂、钒酸铋、硫酸锰、梅栲胶、溴氨酸、碳酸镧、乳制品、磷酸铁、碳酸镍、石膏粉、新癸酸、椰油胺、氮化钇、浮选剂、稀释剂、茶多酚、去除剂
- 主营：粘土固化剂、快速渗透剂、209净洗剂、硼酸最新价格、OP-10、AES
- 主营：无水乙醇、乙酸乙酯、磷酸、四硼酸钠、甲醇、乙二醇、二氯甲烷、异丙醇、二甲苯、各种化学试剂、化工原料