最佳答案Understanding Degassed Buffer in Laboratory Applications In laboratory experiments, chemical reactions are often sensitive to atmospheric gases, such as oxygen...
Understanding Degassed Buffer in Laboratory Applications
In laboratory experiments, chemical reactions are often sensitive to atmospheric gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. Presence of these gases can introduce errors and affect the reproducibility of experiments. To minimize these effects, researchers often use degassed buffer solutions. In this article, we explore what degassed buffers are, their importance in laboratory applications and how they may be prepared for optimal performance.
What are Degassed Buffers?
Degassed buffers are solutions that have been treated to have low or no concentrations of atmospheric gases. Specifically, they contain reduced levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, or both. A common way of degassing buffers is through the use of a vacuum chamber or by bubbling the solutions with an inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon. One notable feature of degassed buffers is their tendency to absorb atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide over time, hence the need for careful storage and handling.
Why are Degassed Buffers Important?
Degassed buffers are used to control reactivity in numerous laboratory applications, including spectrophotometry, protein structure and function analysis, and enzymatic reactions. Presence of atmospheric gases in these applications can cause numerous issues, such as oxidation of reagents, premature denaturation of biomolecules and reduced sensitivity of assays. Using degassed buffers helps ensure the accuracy, precision and reproducibility of experimental results.
How to Prepare Degassed Buffers?
Preparing degassed buffers requires careful consideration of the buffer composition, temperature, and degassing method. Generally, the buffer solution is prepared and then degassed by placing it under vacuum or bubbling it with inert gas for a specific duration. The choice of degassing method depends on factors such as buffer type, volume, and sensitivity to temperature changes. Once degassed, the buffer solution should be stored under inert gas or in vacuum-sealed containers to avoid atmospheric exposure. Some laboratory equipment may also have built-in degassing capability, making the process easier and more efficient.
In conclusion, degassed buffers are an important tool for minimizing errors and variability in laboratory experiments. By removing atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide, they help ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of experimental results, particularly in applications sensitive to these gases. Careful consideration of buffer composition, temperature, and degassing method is necessary to produce optimal results. Overall, degassed buffers are a worthwhile investment for any laboratory seeking to improve the quality of their experiments.
