Western blot stripping buffer (mild) recipe

Base: 1 L · pH 2.2 (adjust with HCl) · Updated 2026-09-30

A mildly acidic buffer that removes antibodies so a membrane can be re-probed.

🧮 Volume calculator
ComponentAmount Final concentration (1X)
Glycine7.5 g200 mM
SDS500 mg0.1%
Tween-205 mL1%
Water (distilled)to final volume

Steps

  1. Dissolve glycine and SDS in about 800 mL of water and add Tween-20.
  2. Adjust to pH 2.2 with HCl and make up to 1 L.
  3. Incubate the membrane twice for 5–10 min at room temperature, wash well with PBS/TBST and block again.

Good to know

FAQ

What if antibodies do not come off?

Harsh stripping with β-ME and SDS at 50 °C works but loses more protein; PVDF tolerates repeated stripping better.

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.