Merck, 252859-500G, Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane

Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, commonly known as Trometamol, Tris base, or Trizma base, plays a crucial role in diverse research applications as a biological buffer. It is extensively used in the formulation of buffers like Tris-acetate-EDTA (TAE) and Tris-borate-EDTA (TBE), owing to its optimal pKa of 8.1, making it well-suited for maintaining pH within the physiological range (pH 7 -9) applicable to most living organisms. However, caution might be necessary when studying some proteins, as Tris has the potential to interfere with the activity of certain enzymes. Tris base can be employed both independently as a buffer and as a component in mixed buffer formulations, including Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer, TAE buffer, and TBE buffer, among others. Importantly, Tris base is characterized by its purity, essential stability, and relative non-hygroscopic nature. In laboratory settings, Tris base is indispensable for the preparation of buffers compatible with biological fluids, acting as a standard pH solution. It facilitates various procedures such as lactate dehydrogenase assays, in situ hybridization, and protein extraction from cells. Its versatility extends to applications in cell culture, biochemistry, and molecular biology labs, where it contributes to studies involving cell membrane permeability and buffer preparation.