TBST (TBS + 0.1% Tween-20) recipe
The standard wash, blocking and antibody-dilution solution for western blots; Tween-20 reduces non-specific binding.
🧮 Volume calculator
| Component | Amount | Final concentration (1X) |
|---|---|---|
| 10X TBS | 100 mL | 1X (20 mM Tris, 150 mM NaCl) |
| Tween-20 | 1 mL | 0.1% (v/v) |
| Water (distilled) | to final volume |
Steps
- Add 10X TBS to about 800 mL of water.
- Add Tween-20 (it is viscous — use a cut tip and pipette slowly, or weigh it: 1 mL ≈ 1.1 g).
- Bring to volume and mix well.
Good to know
- Use 0.05–0.1% Tween-20: 0.1% if background is high, 0.05% if weak signals wash away.
- Do not autoclave Tween-containing solutions; use within 1–2 weeks.
FAQ
Can I use Triton X-100 instead of Tween-20?
Tween-20 is the standard for washes; Triton is harsher and can strip antigens or antibodies.
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.