Good performance, stability and protection of chemical solutions are crucial elements in any laboratory procedure. This is why biological buffers are often used for this purpose.
As a company that is committed to supplying high-quality fine chemicals to science and the chemical industry, we will be talking about them in this article because of their indispensability. Find out more about the role of a biological buffer system below and don’t forget to visit our blog to learn more about many other topics. In our catalogue you will also find all the products you need, we are looking forward to seeing you at DC Fine Chemicals!
What is a buffer biology chemical?
As mentioned at the beginning, when an experiment is being carried out, it is crucial to choose a buffer biology system so that the biological activity of each process is not altered. These are the elements that will make the experiment successful or not.
When we speak of a biological chemical buffer, we are referring to a composition formed by a weak acid (proton donor) and its conjugate base (proton acceptor). They can also be called a buffer solution, buffer solution or regulating solution, and their main function is to maintain the pH stability of a mixture in the process of adding quantities of strong acids or bases.
It should be noted that there are many different types of biological buffers, each of which have their own pH range. This depends on the equilibrium constant of the acid or base used. Depending on the properties of each buffer, one or the other can be chosen for specific laboratory procedures.
Choosing the right biological buffers
In order to know which buffer is the right one, it is necessary to consider the real advantages and disadvantages. As mentioned above, the pH range of the elements to be used in the experiment must match the pH range of the chemical buffer selected. This is because pH in biological environments is a fundamental aspect for the maintenance of all vital processes.
Likewise, to find the right biological chemical buffer, we must consider the concentration, toxicity, temperature and reactivity of the buffer. In terms of concentration, the more the pH-altering component is used, the higher the concentration should be. With regard to toxicity, this should be checked before the experiment, as it may be harmful to the test cells. The temperature should also be checked, as this could change the buffering levels of the buffer. Last but not least, reactivity, as it must be ensured that no adverse reactions occur during the procedure.
Within biological buffers, several types can be distinguished, the first classification is between biological buffers and inorganic buffers. The first group includes amino acids, which can yield protons and also take up protons, which is of interest at the tissue level; and the buffer haemoglobin, which changes its pK when it changes from oxidised to reduced form. As for inorganic buffers, we can find the bicarbonate buffer, which although its pK value is far from the physiological pH value of the blood, it is an effective biological buffer system, which translates into a high capacity against acids; and the phosphate buffer, ideal for buffering the pH efficiently.
From DC Fine Chemicals, a chemical suppliers company, we would recommend you to consult our catalogue to find, among many other proposals, biological buffers for your laboratory activities. Our contact form is at your disposal to answer your questions.