1. What is MES Buffer?

MES (2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid) is a zwitterionic buffer commonly used in biological and biochemical research. It has a pKa of approximately 6.1 at 25°C, making it suitable for buffering in the pH range of 5.5-6.7.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Desired Molarity — Target concentration in moles per liter (M)
• Volume — Total volume of buffer solution in liters (L)
• Amount — Required amount of MES buffer in moles (mol)

Explanation: This formula calculates the amount of MES buffer needed to prepare a solution of specific molarity and volume.

3. Importance of MES Buffer Calculation

Details: Accurate buffer preparation is essential for maintaining proper pH conditions in biological experiments, enzyme assays, cell culture, and various biochemical applications where pH stability is critical.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter desired molarity in M (moles per liter) and volume in liters. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the required amount of MES buffer in moles.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the molecular weight of MES?
A: The molecular weight of MES is 195.24 g/mol. To convert moles to grams, multiply the calculated amount by 195.24.

Q2: What is the effective pH range for MES buffer?
A: MES buffer is effective in the pH range of 5.5-6.7, with optimal buffering capacity around pH 6.1.

Q3: Can MES buffer be used in cell culture?
A: Yes, MES is commonly used in cell culture media and various biological applications as it is non-toxic to most cells and doesn't interfere with biological processes.

Q4: How should MES buffer solutions be stored?
A: MES buffer solutions should be stored at room temperature and protected from light. For long-term storage, refrigeration is recommended.

Q5: Is MES compatible with metal ions?
A: MES has low metal ion binding capacity, making it suitable for experiments involving metal ions where other buffers might interfere.