Preparation of SM buffer (lambda diluent)

SM buffer is primarily used in biology laboratories, and its main function, like any other buffer, is to stabilize the pH. That is, it can withstand minor pH changes, increasing the stability of biological materials or molecules. When performing an experimental task, it is critical to keep all other variables constant and only vary the tested variables. This emphasizes the significance of keeping the pH stable through reliable and consistent methods such as buffer systems. SM buffer is one of them and is used for routine phage suspension manipulation. You can make SM buffer with or without gelatin. During storage, the gelatin in SM buffer stabilizes phage particles.

SM buffer container-preparation of SM buffer

Preparation of SM Buffer

Content

Reagent Amount  Final concentration
NaCl 5.8 g 100 mM
MgSO4·7H2O 2 g 8 mM
Tris-Cl (1 M, pH 7.5) 50 ml 50 mM
Gelatin (2%, w/v) 5 ml 0.01% (w/v)
H2O to 1 liter

Procedure

To prepare 1 liter of SM buffer with gelatin, 

  1. Dissolve the NaCl and MgSO4·7H2O in 800 ml of H2O; 
  2. Add the Tris-Cl and gelatin,
  3. Adjust the volume to 1 liter with H2O. 
  4. Sterilize the buffer by autoclaving for 20 minutes at 15 psi (1.05 kg/cm2) on a liquid cycle. 
  5. After the solution has cooled, dispense 50-ml aliquots into sterile containers.

Storage condition

SM buffer with gelatin may be stored indefinitely at room temperature

NOTE: Discard each aliquot after use to minimize the chance of contamination

About the author

Hello there!
I'm Raphael Hans Lwesya, My true passion lies in the world of phage research and science communication. As a diligent phage researcher and an enthusiastic science communicator, I've founded "www.thephage.xyz," a platform dedicated to unraveling the fascinating universe of bacteriophages – viruses that specifically target microbes. My ultimate mission is to bridge the communication gap between the general public and the often intricate world of scientific concepts. I take pride in simplifying complex ideas, breaking them down into easily understandable pieces, and making cutting-edge phage-related research accessible to a wide audience. Thank you for visiting The Phage blog. If you have got any question or suggestion please drop it as a comment or via [email protected]

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