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Sterile | Low Endotoxin | Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-Free | Isotonic Cell Wash/Handling Buffer

What Is Calcium/Magnesium-Free PBS?

Calcium/Magnesium-Free PBS (Cell Wash Grade) is a sterile, ready-to-use isotonic phosphate buffered saline formulated at pH 7.2 for routine cell biology and molecular biology workflows.

By excluding calcium and magnesium ions, the buffer helps reduce cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions during washing and handling steps. This makes it particularly useful for workflows requiring reduced adhesion, minimal signaling activation, and consistent cell handling conditions.

The formulation provides stable buffering while maintaining physiological osmolarity, supporting reliable laboratory workflows without introducing components that may interfere with downstream assays.

Quick Product Facts

Product Overview

Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) is one of the most widely used buffers in biological laboratories. It is commonly used for washing cells, diluting biological samples, and maintaining osmotic balance during routine experimental workflows.

Calcium/Magnesium-Free PBS is specifically formulated without divalent cations (Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺), which play key roles in cell adhesion and signaling pathways. Removing these ions disrupts cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, making the buffer ideal for washing steps prior to enzymatic cell dissociation and other workflows where reduced adhesion is desired.

The sterile isotonic formulation maintains physiological osmolarity while providing stable buffering conditions for consistent laboratory performance.

Key Features

Sterile & Low Endotoxin

Sterile-filtered solution with controlled endotoxin levels suitable for sensitive cell culture workflows.

Calcium & Magnesium-Free

Exclusion of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ reduces cell adhesion and signaling during washing steps.

Physiological Osmolarity

Maintains isotonic conditions to help preserve cell integrity during handling.

Ready-to-Use Buffer

Provided as a complete solution requiring no dilution or preparation.

Consistent Laboratory Performance

Supports reliable workflows across cell biology and molecular biology laboratories.

Typical Applications

Calcium/Magnesium-Free PBS may be used in workflows including:

• Routine cell washing
• Dilution of cells and biological reagents
• Pre-trypsin washing steps
• Cell handling prior to enzymatic dissociation
• General molecular biology workflows
• Preparation of samples for downstream assays

Researchers should evaluate suitability for their specific experimental systems.

Cell Line Compatibility

Commodity PBS vs Atheris Bio PBS

Why Remove Calcium and Magnesium?

Calcium and magnesium ions are involved in several biological processes including cell adhesion, signal transduction, and interactions between cells and extracellular matrices.

In many laboratory workflows, these interactions can interfere with experimental procedures such as enzymatic cell dissociation or sample preparation.

Buffers lacking Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ help minimize these interactions, allowing cells to be washed and handled without triggering adhesion-dependent signaling pathways.

Quality Control

Each batch is prepared under controlled conditions and tested to ensure consistent performance.

Quality parameters typically include:

• pH verification
• sterility testing
• endotoxin specification
• visual inspection for clarity
• formulation verification

Refer to lot-specific documentation for detailed quality information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calcium/Magnesium-Free PBS used for?

It is commonly used for washing, dilution, and handling of cells in laboratory workflows.

Why remove Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ from PBS?

Removal of these ions reduces cell adhesion and signaling during washing steps.

Can this buffer be used before trypsinization?

Yes. Calcium/Magnesium-Free PBS is commonly used for pre-trypsin washing steps.

Does the buffer require dilution?

No. The formulation is ready to use.

Is this product suitable for cell culture workflows?

Yes. It is commonly used in cell handling and washing procedures.

Is this product intended for diagnostic use?

No. Calcium/Magnesium-Free PBS is for Research Use Only (RUO).

Ready-to-Use PBS for Everyday Precision