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Tricine

Updated: 2026-07-15

Overview

Tricine is a zwitterionic buffer developed as an alternative to glycine for biochemical applications requiring stable pH control in the 7.4–8.8 range. Its low ionic strength and minimal interference with enzymatic reactions make it a preferred choice for electrophoresis (e.g., Tricine-SDS-PAGE) and protein studies. First synthesized in the 1960s, tricine’s tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl group enhances solubility and buffering efficiency compared to traditional buffers. It is now a staple in molecular biology labs, particularly for separating small peptides (<10 kDa) and maintaining pH in sensitive assays.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Tricine exists as a white crystalline powder with high water solubility (>100 mg/mL) and negligible UV absorbance at wavelengths above 260 nm, making it suitable for spectrophotometric analyses. Its pKa of 8.15 ensures effective buffering near physiological pH. The compound is thermally stable but decomposes at temperatures above 185°C. Unlike glycine, tricine forms fewer complexes with metal ions, reducing interference in metal-dependent enzymatic reactions. Its zwitterionic nature minimizes changes in ionic strength during experiments.

Main Applications

In electrophoresis, tricine’s low conductivity enables high-resolution separation of small proteins and peptides, particularly in Tricine-SDS-PAGE systems. It is also used to stabilize enzymes like RNase and DNase during purification. Cell culture media often incorporate tricine to maintain pH in specialized environments, such as algal or bacterial cultures. Its compatibility with divalent cations (e.g., Mg2+) makes it valuable for PCR and other molecular biology techniques.

Safety and Storage

Tricine is classified as non-hazardous but may cause mild eye or skin irritation. Powder handling requires gloves and goggles to prevent inhalation or contact. Spills should be rinsed with water. For long-term stability, store tricine in airtight containers at room temperature (15–25°C), protected from moisture and light. Solutions remain stable for months when refrigerated at 4°C and sterilized by filtration (0.22 µm).

B2B Procurement Guide

Bulk buyers should prioritize suppliers offering third-party purity verification (≥99% by HPLC) and tailored packaging (e.g., sterile bottles for cell culture). Pricing varies by volume, with discounts common for orders exceeding 25 kg. Key procurement criteria include ISO 9001 certification, batch-specific COAs (Certificates of Analysis), and compatibility with regulatory standards (e.g., USP/EP for pharmaceutical applications). Some vendors provide custom solubility testing or buffer preparation services.

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