Buffers and Their Preparation

Abstract

Buffers are indispensable in biochemical and molecular studies as they maintain a near constant pH to the media while performing various laboratory operations such as during extraction, isolation and purification of various biomolecules. Selection of an appropriate buffer with optimal pH is important as it may have influence on extractability, stability and even biological functioning. The stability as well as activity of various enzymes in the cell is highly dependent on the pH of the system. Therefore, it is important to provide a stable system in form of buffer which could stabilize the hydrogen ion concentration and negate adverse effects due to change in pH on the enzyme under study. To understand the buffering capacity of a buffer it is important to understand the concept of pH, acid and bases.