BUFFERS
The quality of fixation is influenced by pH and the type of ions present.
The choice of buffer is based on:
1. the buffering capacity in the desired pH range with the ability to maintain constant pH during fixation.
2. the side effects which vary with the tissue type:
a. suitable osmolarity so that cells and organelles neither swell nor shrink during fixation.
b. suitable ionic concentration so that materials are neither extracted nor precipitated during fixation.
c. the toxicity of the buffer.
Criteria of a good buffer:
1. pKa: usually between 6 and 8 desired for biological specimens.
2. Maximum solubility in water and minimum solubility in all other solvents.
3. Reduced ion effects.
4. Dissociation of buffer least influenced by buffer concentration, temperature and ionic composition.
5. Resistance to oxidation (stable).
6. Inexpensive and easy to prepare.
7. No reaction with fixation.
Common Buffers
I. Phosphate Buffer (Sorenson's buffer) pH 5.8-8
Advantages:
1. Most physiological of common buffers. Mimics certain components of extracellular fluids.
2. Non-toxic to cells.
3. pH changes little with temperature.
4. Stable for several weeks at 4 C.
Disadvantages:
1. Precipitates more likely to occur during fixation. Tends to form precipitates in presence of calcium ions. Precipitates uranyl acetate and tends to react with lead salts.
2. Becomes slowly contaminated with micro-organisms
Preparation of Buffer
Stock solutions:
0.2M dibasic sodium phosphate 1 liter
Na2HPO4*2H20 (MW = 178.05) 35.61 gm
or
Na2HPO4*7H20 (MW = 268.07) 53.65 gm
or
Na2HPO4*12H20 (MW = 358.14) 71.64 gm
+ ddH20 to make 1 liter
0.2M monobasic sodium phosphate 1 litter
NaH2PO4*H20 (MW = 138.01) 27.6 gm
or
NaH2PO4*2H20 (MW = 156.03) 31.21 gm
+ ddH20 to make 1 liter
Working buffer: 0.1M 100 ml
Mix X ml of 0.2M dibasic sodium phosphate with Y ml monobasic sodium phosphate. Dilute to 100 ml with ddH20 or dilute 1:1 with fixative.