Description
HEPES is a zwitterionic organic chemical buffering reagent. HEPES is used to maintain physiological pH of cells despite changes in the level of carbon dioxide produced during aerobic respiration. It is an all-purpose buffer used in some cell culture media and in many biochemical reactions. IUPAC chemical name of 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid.
- pH 7.2 – 7.6
Applications
HEPES 1M is used as a buffer alternative to sodium bicarbonate for cell culture. HEPES is effective as a buffer at pH 6.8 to 8.2. HEPES is attributed with characteristics such as pKa values between 6.0 and 8.0, high solubility membrane impermeability, limited effect on biochemical reactions, very low visible and ultraviolet light absorbance, chemically and enzymatically stable, and easy to prepare.
HEPES is reportedly superior to NaHCO3 in controlling pH in tissue and organ culture. HEPES is commonly used as a strong buffering agent.
Recommendation
Dilute 1 M HEPES in the appropriate cell culture medium to a final concentration of 10-25 mM.
Storage Conditions: 15°C to 30°C
Shipping Condition: ambient temperature
Sterile Filtered
Performance Tested
pH: 7.2-7.4
Max Shelf Life: 24 months from date of manufacture
Harmonization Code: 3822.00.5090
ECCN: EAR99