Isotope-labeled Buffers and Reagents

Introduction

Buffers generally refer to the equilibrium solution that can stabilize the acidity of the solution and maintain the acidity and alkalinity of the solution in a certain range. Buffers play a critical role in biochemical field for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy studies, because many biological macromolecules must be studied in buffered solutions to keep the pH constant and the molecule in a defined protonation state. At the same time, some basic reagents, such as acids, alkalis, salts and reducing agents, are also used in the NMR research process.

However, it is best to use stable isotope-labeled buffers (usually deuterated buffers) instead of protonated buffers to reduce the contribution of proton signals from the buffers in the NMR spectrum from a sample containing a buffer for getting better results. Likewise, the best way to reduce proton signals in NMR from the use of common reagents is to use deuterated reagents, including deuterated salts, acids, bases and reducing agents and others. It can be said that deuterated buffers and reagents are an essential part of the NMR experiments.

Applications

Deuterated buffers such as acetic acid-d₄, sodium formate-d, TRIS-d₃, and phosphoric acid-d₃ can be used in many biochemical research by NMR such as drug development, studies of aptamer-ligand interactions, protein expression, structure analysis of biomolecules, metabolomics studies and others. The deuterium labeled buffers for NMR studies provide a suitable pH environment in study of the confirmational and stereo chemical aspects of biologically active molecules as well as differentiate the biomolecule of interest from the solvent. Some basic deuterated reagents are often used in NMR experiments for biochemical research, and play a certain role. For example, deuterated salts are added to a buffer to increase solubility and to prevent aggregation of the investigated biomolecules. Deuterated ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) is added to a buffer that can bind paramagnetic metal ions when studied the over-expression of proteins.

In addition, the reagents and buffers described above can also be used as raw materials for the synthesis of deuterated compounds. For example, acetic acid-d₄ is a deuterated NMR buffer, also can be used for the synthesis of deuterated (7E, 9Z)-ClA (conjugated linoleic acid) and Pr (CD₃COO) D₂O (deuterated praseodymium acetate (III) hydrate).

Application considerations of deuterated buffers

There are two main considerations that should be taken into account when choosing a deuterated buffer for an NMR sample. Firstly, the amount of salt should be kept to a minimum. A high concentration of salt in the sample can lower the signal to noise ratio of the sample. The next consideration should be that buffers usually need ~99% deuterated, meaning that there only small signal from the non-deuterated proton.

What can we offer?

As a professional supplier of stable isotope-labeled compounds, Alfa Chemistry has always shown great interest in the latest developments in stable isotope-labeled buffers and reagents. Alfa Chemistry has excellent R&D staffs with rich experience who aim to provide high quality and cost-effective stable isotope-labeled buffers and reagents timely. We can provide all kinds of deuterated buffers and reagents that can be well in the study of biochemical research by NMR technology. You can click on our product list for a detailed view. If you do not find the product you want, we also provide you with custom synthesis service. Please contact us, if you are in need of assistance.