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10X TBE Buffer (Tris-borate-EDTA)

Store at room temperature

10X TBE Buffer (Tris-borate-EDTA) is used in electrophoresis of nucleic acids in agarose and polyacrylamide gels.
  
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Thermo Scientific 10X TBE Buffer (Tris-borate-EDTA) is the most commonly used buffer for DNA and RNA polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. TBE is used with non-denaturing or denaturing (7 M urea) gels. It is also routinely used for DNA automated sequencing gel. TBE can also be used for agarose gels, but is not recommended for preparative gels for recovery of nucleic acids. Since borate in TBE buffer is a strong inhibitor for many enzymes, TAE buffer (Tris Acetate-EDTA buffer, 10X powder, sc-296647) is recommended when looking at enzymatic applications for the DNA sample.

Applications

  • Electrophoresis of nucleic acids in agarose and polyacrylamide gels
  • Used both as a running buffer and as a gel preparation buffer
  • Filtered through a 0.22 µm membrane
  • Recommended for electrophoresis of RNA and DNA fragments smaller than 1500 bp

Note

Double-stranded linear nucleic acid molecules migrate about 10% slower in TBE buffer than in TAE buffer.

  
Storage ConditionAmbient
HazardousNo
1X Composition89 mM Tris, 89 mM boric acid, 2 mM EDTA, pH of 10X TBE: 8.3
Quality ControlThe absence of endo-, exodeoxyribonucleases, and ribonucleases confirmed by appropriate quality tests.
StorageThere are no time limitations for storage of electrophoresis buffers at room temperature. If the buffer is stored at lower temperatures, a precipitate may form, which is easily dissolved by gentle heating.
Usage Recommendations
  • Use fresh 1X TBE both for the gel and for the electrophoresis run.
  • To prepare 1X TBE buffer, add 100 mL of 10X TBE buffer to 900 mL of deionized water and mix well.