Preparation Ammonium sulfate PCR Buffer

This guide describes the preparation of Ammonium sulfate PCR Buffer at a defined molarity for laboratory use.

Ammonium sulfate PCR Buffer is commonly used to enhance primer specificity and optimize DNA polymerase activity.

Ammonium Sulfate PCR Buffer – Composition

NameFormulaConcentrationCAS
Ammonium sulfate(NH₄)₂SO₄20 mM7783-20-2
Tris-Cl (pH 8.8)C₄H₁₁NO₃75 mM77-86-1
Magnesium chlorideMgCl₂2 mM7791-18-6
Triton X-100C₃₄H₆₂O₁₁0.1% (w/v)9002-93-1

Sterilization & Storage

  • Sterilization: 0.22 μm filtration.
  • Storage: Aliquot and store at −20 °C.

Tips

  • Buffer pH is usually 8.0–9.5, adjusted by Tris-Cl.
  • Triton X-100 is highly viscous; use low-concentration stock or substitute with Tween 20.
  • When ammonium sulfate is used, MgCl₂ is typically higher (2.0 ± 0.5 mM).
  • NH₄⁺ and Mg²⁺ exhibit antagonistic effects; buffers with ammonium sulfate show higher primer specificity across Mg²⁺ ranges.
  • Ammonium ions destabilize mismatched primer–template hydrogen bonds, enhancing reaction specificity.
  • Optimal PCR buffer depends on DNA polymerase type; follow supplier recommendations.
  • Direct use of anhydrous MgCl₂ is exothermic; add in small portions to partial solvent volume.
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