Phosphate Buffered Saline, 500mL - The Curated Chemical Collection

This 500mL bottle contains phosphate buffered saline, an isotonic buffer solution. PBS matches the salt concentration and pH of most cell environments, so cells suspended or rinsed in it hold their shape instead of swelling or shrinking as they would in pure water or a concentrated salt solution. The solution serves as a rinse between steps in staining protocols, as a diluent for samples that would be damaged by water, as a suspension medium for cells and specimens, and as a wash in immunological procedures requiring a non-reactive isotonic solution. The phosphate component provides buffering capacity, holding pH steady when small amounts of acid or base are introduced, which distinguishes PBS from plain saline. Product instructions and safe handling and storage information are printed directly on the bottle, and a Safety Data Sheet is available on request. The chemical is manufactured in the United States and intended for laboratory use only, not for drug, food, or household use. It should be kept out of reach of children.