1.5 M Tris-HCl pH 8.8 (resolving gel buffer) recipe
The buffer for the SDS-PAGE resolving (lower) gel — 2.5 mL goes into every 10 mL of gel.
🧮 Volume calculator
| Component | Amount | Final concentration (1X) |
|---|---|---|
| Tris base | 45.42 g | 1.5 M |
| Concentrated HCl | as needed | to pH 8.8 |
| Water (distilled) | to final volume |
Steps
- Dissolve Tris base in about 70% of the final volume of water.
- Adjust to pH 8.8 with HCl at room temperature.
- Bring to the final volume with water.
- Filter and store at 4 °C.
Good to know
- Some labs include 0.4% SDS here ("4X resolving buffer"); then skip the separate 10% SDS when casting.
FAQ
Does the pH have to be exactly 8.8?
Yes — the pH difference between stacking and resolving gels is what stacks proteins into sharp bands.
This is a widely used standard composition. Amounts depend on the hydrate form and purity of your reagents — check the formula weight (FW) on the bottle and follow your institution's safety rules and the manufacturers' instructions.