About TE buffer
TE buffer (Tris-EDTA) is a commonly used buffer solution for resuspending and storing nucleic acids, especially DNA. The Tris solution keeps the DNA soluble in water while EDTA, a chelator of cations such as magnesium, protects nucleic acids against enzymatic degradation.
Recipe
The recipe below is to create a 100 mL TE buffer solution.
| Reagent | Volume |
Final concentration |
| 1M Tris-Cl (pH 8.0) | 1 mL | 10 mM |
| 0.5M EDTA (pH 8.0) | 0.2 mL | 1 mM |
| Distilled H2O | 98.8 mL |
How to make TE buffer
- Measure out 1 mL 1M Tris-Cl (pH 8.0) and add to a 100 mL Duran bottle.
- Measure out 0.2 mL 0.5M EDTA (pH 8.0) and add to the Duran bottle.
- Top up the solution to 100 mL by adding 98.8 mL of distilled water.
- Place the lid on the bottle and invert a few times to mix.
- To sterilise, autoclave the solution on a liquid cycle (20 min at 15 psi).
Storage of TE buffer
Store TE buffer at room temperature (+15oC – +25oC).
Safety
TE buffer is not classified as hazardous. However, always be sure to read the TE buffer safety data sheet before use.
