The mechanism of action of biological buffer MES 4432-31-9 in PCR kit

In molecular biology experiments, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology has become a core tool due to its ability to efficiently amplify specific DNA fragments. However, PCR reactions are extremely sensitive to environmental conditions, especially small fluctuations in pH, which may directly affect the activity of DNA polymerase, the binding efficiency of primers and templates, and even lead to non-specific amplification. Among the many "behind the scenes heroes" who maintain the stability of reaction systems, 2- (N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid (MES buffer), as an efficient biological buffer, has become an indispensable "invisible guardian" in PCR kits due to its unique chemical properties.

1, Accurately regulate pH

Each step of the PCR reaction - denaturation, annealing, and elongation - relies on the precise catalysis of DNA polymerase, and the activity of the enzyme is highly dependent on the pH environment. The pKa value of MES is, which enables it to exhibit excellent buffering ability under weakly acidic conditions. In the PCR system, MES effectively resists pH fluctuations caused by temperature changes (such as acidic substance release during high-temperature denaturation) or reagent addition during the reaction process by dynamically balancing protonation and deprotonation, stabilizing the reaction environment within the optimal pH range of DNA polymerase. This' buffer escort 'ensures that the enzyme maintains efficient catalytic activity in each cycle, avoiding a decrease in amplification efficiency or impure products caused by pH imbalance.

MES powder

2, Compatibility advantage

Compared to other buffering agents, the molecular structure of MES gives it a unique compatibility advantage. Its morpholine ring structure not only enhances chemical stability, but also reduces the risk of interaction with other components in PCR reactions. For example, Mg ² ⁺ is an essential cofactor for DNA polymerase, but excessive or insufficient amounts can affect amplification efficiency. The weakly acidic environment of MES helps maintain the solubility and active form of Mg ² ⁺, avoiding a decrease in effective concentration due to the binding of buffering agents with metal ions. In addition, the low ionic strength of MES reduces non-specific electrostatic interactions, further reducing the probability of primer dimerization or mismatching amplification, providing a guarantee for obtaining highly specific products.

3, Temperature adaptability

The PCR reaction requires cycling between high and low temperatures, which poses a severe challenge to the stability of the buffer. The thermal stability of MES is excellent: during the high temperature stage, its buffering capacity is not affected by temperature, and the pH remains stable; during the low temperature annealing stage, it can quickly restore the equilibrium state, ensuring precise binding of primers and templates. This characteristic makes MES an ideal choice for long fragment PCR or high fidelity PCR - the former requires longer extension time, while the latter relies on the sustained high activity of the enzyme, and the stable buffering effect of MES provides reliable support for both.

Product packaging

Hubei Xindesheng Material Technology Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer that can produce high-quality and high solubility biological buffer materials such as MES. Since its establishment, it has a history of nearly 20 years. Desheng has a professional production team to ensure product quality and provide good after-sales service. If you have any related procurement needs in the near future, please click on the official website for more details or contact me directly!