Overview
Morpholine-4-ethanesulfonic Acid (MES) is a zwitterionic organic compound widely used as a biological buffer in the pH range of 5.5-6.7. First synthesized in the 1960s, it has become a staple in biochemical research due to its minimal metal ion binding and stability across physiological conditions. Unlike traditional phosphate buffers, MES does not interfere with enzymatic reactions or metal-dependent processes. Its inert nature and consistent buffering capacity make it particularly valuable for electrophoresis, cell culture media, and protein purification workflows.
Physical and Chemical Properties
MES appears as a white crystalline powder with high water solubility (≥1M at 25°C). Its zwitterionic structure ensures low membrane permeability, making it ideal for maintaining extracellular pH. The buffer exhibits excellent temperature stability with minimal pH drift (±0.05 pH units) between 0-37°C. With a pKa of 6.1 at 20°C, MES provides optimal buffering capacity between pH 5.5-6.7. It shows negligible UV absorption above 260nm, allowing unimpeded spectrophotometric analysis. The compound is chemically stable when stored properly but may degrade under strong oxidizing conditions.
Main Applications
In biotechnology, MES serves as the buffer of choice for Bis-Tris gels in electrophoresis due to its superior resolution compared to Tris-glycine systems. Pharmaceutical manufacturers utilize it in vaccine production where precise pH control is critical. The compound also finds extensive use in plant tissue culture media, particularly for acid-sensitive species. Recent applications include nanoparticle synthesis and as a mobile phase modifier in HPLC separations of polar compounds. Its non-toxic profile permits use in food testing protocols.
Safety and Storage
While MES is generally low-risk, precautions should be taken against dust generation. Safety data sheets classify it as causing serious eye irritation (Category 2). Laboratories should implement standard hygiene measures including gloves and eye protection when handling the powder form. For long-term storage, maintain the product in tightly sealed containers at ambient temperature (15-25°C) with <60% relative humidity. Bulk quantities are typically packaged in polyethylene-lined fiber drums to prevent moisture absorption. Shelf life exceeds 3 years when stored correctly.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should prioritize suppliers offering analytical certificates (CoA) with batch-specific purity data. Pharmaceutical-grade MES (USP/EP compliance) commands premium pricing but ensures regulatory acceptance. For research applications, ACS reagent grade (≥99%) typically suffices. Key procurement considerations include minimum order quantities (often 25kg for bulk purchases), packaging options (1kg bags vs. 25kg drums), and supply chain reliability. Leading manufacturers include Sigma-Aldrich, Thermo Fisher, and domestic specialty chemical producers in major markets.
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