PBST Buffer Calculator
Scale source-defined 1X PBS base buffers containing either 0.05% or 0.10% v/v Tween 20; only the 0.05% source specifies pH 7.4.
Select a reviewed preset and enter the final volume to prepare.
| Reagent | Formula | Amount or action |
|---|---|---|
| Source-defined 1X PBS pH 7.4 base buffersource-defined prepared buffer | Bring to the selected final volume with the same source-defined 1x pbs ph 7.4 base buffer. | |
| Tween 20neat liquid | 500 µL |
How to prepare 1X PBST 0.05% Tween 20
- Add less than the selected final volume of the listed 1X PBS base buffer for the selected preset.
- Add the calculated Tween 20 volume for the selected 0.05% or 0.10% preset.
- Mix gently until the detergent is evenly dispersed, avoiding excessive foaming.
- Bring the total preparation to the selected final volume with the defined PBS base buffer and mix thoroughly.
About This Buffer
PBST is phosphate-buffered saline supplemented with the nonionic detergent Tween 20. It is commonly used as a wash buffer in western blotting, ELISA, and related immunoassays. This page provides fixed 0.05% and 0.10% Tween 20 formulations: the 0.05% preset uses a source-defined 1X PBS base at pH 7.4, while the reviewed source for the 0.10% preset does not specify the PBS pH.
Common questions
What is the difference between 0.05% and 0.10% PBST?
The two presets contain different fixed Tween 20 concentrations. Choose the version specified by the experimental protocol.
Is PBST the same as PBS?
PBST is PBS supplemented with Tween 20. The 0.05% preset source defines 1X PBS at pH 7.4; the 0.10% preset source specifies 1X PBS without assigning a pH.
Why should Tween 20 be mixed gently?
Detergent solutions can foam during vigorous mixing. Gentle mixing helps disperse Tween 20 without creating excessive bubbles.
Sources and review notes
The source for the currently selected preset appears first. Recipe quantities remain tied to the cited article location.
1X PBST 0.05% Tween 20
Source location: Materials and Methods — source-defined 1X PBS pH 7.4 base with 0.05% v/v Tween 20 (0.5 mL Tween 20 per liter basis).
Preparation method: Reviewed base buffer plus a source-defined additive
View sources for all presets
1X PBST 0.10% Tween 20
Source location: Western blot reagents — add 1 mL Tween 20 to source-defined 1X PBS/TBS to obtain 0.10% Tween 20-containing PBST/TBST; this preset retains the PBST branch as an opaque 1X PBS base plus 1.0 mL Tween 20 per liter.
Preparation method: Reviewed base buffer plus a source-defined additive
- Analysis of Tumor-Associated Mucin Glycotopes by Western Blot PMC3645295 · open article