10X TBE buffer recipe
A stock of running buffer for sharp separation of small DNA fragments. 1X is 89 mM Tris-borate, 2 mM EDTA (0.5X is also common).
🧮 Volume calculator
| Component | Amount | Final concentration (1X) |
|---|---|---|
| Tris base | 108 g | 890 mM |
| Boric acid | 55 g | 890 mM |
| 0.5 M EDTA (pH 8.0) | 40 mL | 20 mM |
| Water (distilled) | to final volume |
Steps
- Dissolve Tris and boric acid in about 800 mL of water.
- Add 0.5 M EDTA and make up to 1 L. Do not adjust the pH.
- Store at room temperature; remake if a white precipitate forms.
Good to know
- Borate inhibits many enzymes — TAE is better when extracting DNA from the gel for enzymatic steps.
FAQ
My 10X TBE precipitated.
Borate precipitates with age; a 5X stock is less prone to this.
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.