Tris Buffered Saline (TBS) is an isotonic, non-toxic buffer widely used in biochemistry and molecular biology for maintaining pH and ionic balance. It combines Tris, which acts as a reliable pH buffer (typically 7.4–8.0), with sodium chloride (NaCl) to regulate osmotic pressure, making it suitable for a wide range of protein and antibody-based applications.
TBS is commonly used for:
Washing and dilution steps in ELISA, Western blotting, and immunoassays
Maintaining protein structure during purification and storage
pH regulation in enzymatic and biochemical workflows
Stable pH buffering for accurate, reproducible results
Non-toxic and gentle on proteins and cells
Supports optimal binding conditions in antibody-based assays
Whether you're conducting sensitive protein detection or general lab workflows, TBS provides a balanced, consistent environment for your experimental needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tris Buffered Saline (TBS) used for?
TBS is commonly used as a wash and dilution buffer in immunoassays like Western blotting and ELISA. It helps maintain a stable pH and ionic strength without interfering with protein interactions.
How does TBS differ from PBS?
While both are isotonic buffers, TBS uses Tris as the buffering agent instead of phosphate. TBS is often preferred in assays involving metal-conjugated antibodies or enzymes that may be sensitive to phosphate.
Can TBS be used with detergents like Tween-20?
Yes, TBS can be combined with Tween-20 to create TBST, which is commonly used in immunoassays to reduce non-specific binding and background noise.
