Biological buffer BICINE 150-25-4 has unique chelating properties

On the precise stage of biochemistry and molecular biology experiments, buffering agents play a key role in maintaining system pH stability, ensuring enzyme activity and reaction efficiency. However, as research deepens, scientists' functional requirements for buffering agents have extended from simple pH regulation to more complex fields of biomolecule interactions. N. N-dihydroxyethylglycine (BICINE buffer), as an emerging biological buffering agent, is gradually becoming a versatile tool in scientific research and industry due to its unique chelating properties, providing more possibilities for experimental design.

Chemical properties of BICINE: Structure determines function

The molecular structure of BICINE is composed of a glycine backbone and two hydroxyethyl side chains, which endows it with dual properties:

1. Buffer capacity: With a pKa value of 8.35 (25 ℃), it exhibits excellent buffering efficiency within the physiological pH range of 6.8-8.2, especially suitable for experimental systems under alkaline conditions.

BICINE buffer

2. Chelation site: The oxygen atom and nitrogen atom in the hydroxyethyl side chain can form a coordination bond, giving it the ability to bind with metal ions such as Ca ² ⁺, Mg ² ⁺, Fe ³ ⁺, etc.

The three core advantages of chelating performance

1. Precise regulation of metal ion activity

In enzymatic reactions or protein folding experiments, metal ions often act as co factors or inhibitors to affect the reaction process. BICINE can selectively bind to specific metal ions through chelation, achieving dynamic control of their concentration. For example, in DNA polymerase reaction, BICINE can reduce non-specific binding and significantly enhance amplification specificity by chelating free Mg ² ⁺.

2. Inhibition of metal ion catalyzed oxidative damage

Metal ions (such as Fe ³ ⁺, Cu ² ⁺) are key catalysts for the generation of hydroxyl radicals (· OH), which can easily cause oxidative damage to proteins and nucleic acids. The chelating effect of BICINE can effectively reduce the catalytic activity of metal ions and protect the stability of biomolecules. Research has shown that adding BICINE to cell lysate can reduce the oxidative damage rate of DNA.

3. Compatible with complex biological systems

Traditional chelating agents (such as EDTA) may excessively deprive the system of essential metal ions due to their strong chelating ability, which can interfere with experimental results. The chelating strength of BICINE is moderate, which can inhibit non-specific metal ion interference without completely depriving the necessary cofactors for enzyme activity. It performs well in scenarios such as cell culture and protein purification.

From laboratory to industry: the diverse applications of BICINE

Molecular diagnosis: In PCR reaction systems, BICINE can replace traditional buffering agents to optimize magnesium ion concentration, improve detection sensitivity and specificity.

Environmental Science: As heavy metal ion adsorbents, BICINE functionalized materials can be used for water pollution control, and their degradability is more in line with the trend of green chemistry.

Product packaging

Bicine and other biological buffering agents produced by Hubei Xindesheng Material Technology Co., Ltd. have high purity and good water solubility. Each batch of goods has relevant quality analysis reports to ensure product quality. Desheng has a professional technical team and quality inspectors who can provide excellent technical support and after-sales service. If you have any purchasing needs in the near future, please feel free to contact me or check the official website of Desheng!