Overview: Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS)
Potassium Phosphate and Sodium Phosphate are widely used buffering agents categorized as Standard Buffers. Their combination provides stable pH control by pairing a weak acid with its conjugate base. Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) builds on this buffering system by including key salts to maintain isotonicity, making it ideal for physiological and molecular biology applications.
Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS)
Key Components:
- Potassium Phosphate Dibasic / Sodium Phosphate Monobasic
Together, they create an effective buffer system with a pH range of 7.0–7.4. At Boston BioProducts, PBS pH is adjusted using sodium hydroxide. For potassium-sensitive applications, potassium-based reagents are being used to adjust pH to preserve ionic consistency. - Sodium Chloride & Potassium Chloride
Provide osmotic balance. PBS is also available without potassium chloride for potassium-free experimental setups.
Specialized Options:
- RNase-Free PBS
Ideal for RNA-sensitive workflows such as RNA isolation, in situ hybridization, or cell preservation for transcriptomic analysis. Manufactured and tested to ensure the absence of RNase contamination. - Low Endotoxin PBS
Formulated for endotoxin-sensitive applications, including cell therapy research, immune assays, and microbiome studies. Endotoxin levels are rigorously controlled to meet stringent quality thresholds.
Features:
- Non-toxic and cell-friendly, even with extended exposure
- Offered in RNase-free and low-endotoxin formats for sensitive workflows
- Optionally pH adjusted with potassium reagents to prevent sodium-induced interference
- Proven compatibility across diverse research and manufacturing settings
Applications:
- Protein Purification – Preserves native protein structure
- Sample Dilution & Resuspension – Maintains isotonicity and stability
- Cell Washing – Supports cell viability during preparation, fixation, and staining
- Rinsing Cell Culture Vessels – Ensures clean environments before and after seeding
- Specimen Transport – Reliable medium for transporting cells and tissues
- Blotting & Immunoassays – Frequently used in ELISA, Western blot, and related assays
Boston BioProducts PBS products:
| Buffer | Description |
|---|---|
| BM-220S | Phosphate Buffered Saline, PBS (pH 7.4, Sterile-Filtered) |
| BM-220X | Phosphate Buffered Saline, PBS (20X) |
| BM-221 | Phosphate Buffered Saline, PBS (10X, pH 7.6) |
| BM-220 | Phosphate Buffered Saline, PBS (10X, pH 7.4) |
| BM-222 | Phosphate Buffered Saline, PBS (10X, for Western Blot Washing) |
| BM-220S-LT | Phosphate Buffered Saline, PBS (Sterile-Filtered, Low Endotoxin) |
| BM-220-LT | Phosphate-Buffered Saline, PBS (10X, Low Endotoxin) |
| BM-220S-DR | Phosphate Buffered Saline, PBS (Sterile-Filtered, RNase Free) |
| BM-220-DR | Phosphate Buffered Saline, PBS (10X, RNase Free) |
| BB-125 | Phosphate Buffered Saline, PBS (10X without K, pH 7.4) |
Dulbecco’s Phosphate Buffered Saline (DPBS)
Dulbecco’s Phosphate Buffered Saline (DPBS) is a modified formulation of PBS that contains more Sodium Phosphate Dibasic and less Potassium Phosphate Monobasic. In addition, DPBS can include Calcium and Magnesium for enhanced cell adhesion and enzymatic activity. DPBS offers increased benefits for cell culture, with optional metals for specific applications.
| Buffer | Description |
|---|---|
| BS-109 | Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline, DPBS (10X) |
| BS-105 | Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline, DPBS (with Metal Mix) |
| BS-100 | Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline, DPBS |
| BS-111 | Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline, DPBS (10X, with Metal Mix) |
| BPS-504 | 10X Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline, DPBS (no Calcium, no Magnesium) [BioProcess Grade] |
| BPS-503 | Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline, DPBS (no Calcium, no Magnesium) [BioProcess Grade] |
Phosphate Buffered Saline-Tween (PBST)
PBST combines phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with Tween-20, a non-ionic surfactant, to reduce non-specific binding in immunoassays such as ELISA and Western blots. It is commonly used as a washing buffer and can also serve as a blocking buffer in antibody-based assays. In contrast, PBS with Triton X-100, a slightly stronger detergent, is frequently used for cell lysis and protein solubilization applications.
| Buffer | Description |
|---|---|
| IBB-171R | Phosphate Buffered Saline-Tween, PBST (with 0.05% Tween-20, pH 7.4) |
| IBB-170X | Phosphate Buffered Saline-Tween, PBST (20X, with 2% Tween-20, pH 7.4) |
| IBB-171X | Phosphate Buffered Saline-Tween, PBST (20X, with 1% Tween-20, pH 7.4) |
| IBB-170 | Phosphate Buffered Saline-Tween, PBST (10X, with 1% Tween-20, pH 7.4) |
| IBB-171 | Phosphate Buffered Saline-Tween, PBST (10X, with 0.5% Tween-20, pH 7.4) |
| BM-220T | Phosphate Buffered Saline, PBS (10X, with Triton X-100 |
Phosphate Buffered Saline at Boston BioProducts
Boston BioProducts offers a comprehensive selection of PBS formulations, standard, RNase-free, low endotoxin, potassium adjusted, and potassium-free, and also PBS with detergent (Tween 20 or Triton X-100) options for research use and further manufacturing. Explore our Catalog Offerings that fit your needs, or limitless options through our Custom Manufacturing services.
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