Overview
Potassium acetate buffer is a pH-stabilizing solution prepared by mixing potassium acetate with acetic acid. It is a staple in life science laboratories and industrial processes due to its ability to maintain consistent acidity (pH 4.5-5.5). The buffer is particularly valued for its compatibility with biological macromolecules, making it indispensable in molecular biology workflows. Unlike volatile buffers, potassium acetate offers stable performance during long-term experiments. Its potassium ions also play a role in precipitating nucleic acids, a key step in DNA/RNA purification protocols. Industrial-grade versions are used in chemical synthesis and as de-icing agents.
Physical and Chemical Properties
The buffer typically appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a slight acetic acid odor. Its density varies with concentration, averaging ~1.17 g/cm³ for common 3M solutions. The pH remains stable across a wide temperature range (-20°C to 50°C), critical for thermal cycling applications. Chemically, potassium acetate (CH₃COOK) dissociates completely in water, providing high ionic strength. The acetate/acetic acid system buffers effectively near its pKa of 4.76. This property makes it ideal for processes requiring mild acidity without interference from phosphate or citrate ions.
Main Applications
In molecular biology, potassium acetate buffer is primarily used for nucleic acid precipitation during plasmid DNA isolation and RNA purification. Its high salt concentration and optimal pH facilitate efficient pelleting of DNA/RNA with ethanol. Protein crystallographers employ this buffer to create crystallization screens, where its mild acidity helps maintain protein stability. Industrial applications include textile dyeing processes, food preservation (as a pH regulator), and electroplating baths. Some pharmaceutical formulations use it as an excipient to control drug release rates.
Safety and Storage
While generally low-risk, concentrated solutions may cause mild skin/eye irritation. Proper PPE (gloves, goggles) is recommended when handling. The buffer is non-flammable but should be stored away from strong oxidizers due to its organic acetate component. For long-term storage, airtight plastic or glass containers prevent evaporation and CO₂ absorption, which could alter pH. Room temperature storage is sufficient for most applications, though refrigeration may extend shelf life for sensitive biological uses. Discard if microbial growth or precipitation occurs.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should specify: 1) Buffer concentration (commonly 1M-5M), 2) pH tolerance (±0.1 units), 3) Sterility requirements (filtered/autoclaved), and 4) Packaging (carboys vs. drums). USP/FCC grades are required for food/pharma applications. Bulk pricing becomes competitive above 100L quantities, with some manufacturers offering custom formulations. Verify supplier certificates of analysis for heavy metal content (<10 ppm) and endotoxin levels if used in cell culture. Just-in-time delivery is advisable to minimize storage duration.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：[]
- 主营：透析袋、移液器、SIGMA、赛默飞、爱思进、康宁、离心管、巴氏吸管、保存管、封板膜、细胞爬片、滤器、ELISA试剂盒
- 主营：透析袋、移液器、SIGMA、赛默飞、爱思进、吸头/枪头、离心管、巴氏吸管、保存管、封板膜、细胞爬片、滤器、ELISA试剂盒
- 主营：D-荧光素钠、裂解液、脲酶Urease、D-荧光素钾、缓冲液、刀豆凝集素ConA、黄嘌呤氧化酶、胰α淀粉酶、β-葡萄糖苷酶、辣根过氧化物酶、植物检测试剂盒、tRNA转运核糖核酸、胰蛋白酶抑制剂、乙酰胆碱酯酶、L-乳酸脱氢酶、过氧化氢酶、葡萄糖氧化酶、肝素钠、福林酚、三羟甲基氨基甲烷、二硫苏糖醇DTT、苏木色精、伊红Y(曙红)、乙基紫、土壤检测试剂盒
- 主营：染色液、碱性蓝、甘氨酸、玉米素、氯霉素、腺嘌呤、媒介蓝、抽提液、异烟酸、试剂盒、dtt溶液、糖原pas、酪蛋白、胆固醇、酚试剂、烟酰胺、牛磺酸、热灭活、奎尼丁、养乐多、碱性红、纤维素、皂化液、水合物、乳糖酸
- 主营：生物dna、dna病毒、dna回收、乙酸钾缓冲液、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：草铵膦、恶霜灵、雌酚酮、乙酸钾缓冲液、溴虫腈、标准品、氟环唑、苯甲酸、大观霉素、恶唑菌酮、异丙氧磷、多拉菌素、氘代甲苯、呋喃西林、氟罗沙星、3-二氯丙烯、吡氟氯禾灵、二氯吡啶酸、二甲基吗啉、一氯二溴甲烷、硝基呋喃妥因
- 主营：染色液、甘氨酸、固紫酱、乙酸钾缓冲液、玉米素、饱和酚、甘露醇、修复液、试剂盒、脂蛋白、指示剂、肌氨酸、丙基红、酪蛋白、地衣红、胆固醇、磷钼酸、铝试剂、牛磺酸、混合物、七叶苷、新品红、赖氨酸、纤维素、皂化液、溴酚红
- 主营：叔丁酯、银杏叶、灭菌磷、檀香醇、磺酰基、庚烯酮、分散蓝、异丁酯、乙霉威、霜霉威、3681-82-1、水中氟、子烯酮、野菊花、西洋参、氟苯基、芫根苷、甲氨基、唑螨酯、洋艾素、denhardts、水中钙、独活素、苯基芴、水中钡
- 主营：ringers液、聚山梨酯、葡萄糖溶液、乙酸钾缓冲液、检测试剂盒、氯化锂溶液、dna提取试剂盒、染色液、色素
- 主营：双盐酸肼、单盐酸肼、5-二甲基海因、水溶羊毛脂、三硫代碳酸钠、福美钠、苯并咪唑、纤维醋法酯
- 主营：聚丙烯酰胺、聚合氯化铝、片碱、生物缓冲液、纯碱、硫酸亚铁、磷酸、元明粉、乙二醇、工业盐、次氯酸钠