Application of Biological Buffer MOPS in Microbial Culture Media

MOPS， The full name is 3- (N-morpholino) propanesulfonic acid, which is a colorless and transparent white powder with high hydrophilicity. It exhibits excellent pH stability in aqueous solutions, with a pKa value stable between 6.5 and 7.9. This characteristic enables MOPS to effectively regulate the acidity and alkalinity of solutions over a wide pH range, making it suitable for various biochemical and molecular biology experiments.

MOPS also has chemical stability, is non-toxic to organisms, and is not easily able to penetrate biological membranes, so it will not interfere with the normal physiological functions of cells during cell culture. In addition, MOPS is less affected by changes in ion concentration, solution composition, and temperature, which can ensure the accuracy and reliability of experimental results as much as possible.

Application of MOPS in Microbial Culture Media

1. As a buffer culture medium component for bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells

MOPS is widely used as a buffer system for bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cell culture media due to its non toxicity and stability. Adding an appropriate amount of MOPS to the culture medium can maintain the stability of the pH value and provide a suitable growth environment for microorganisms. Especially in experiments that require long-term cultivation or strict pH control, the addition of MOPS is particularly important.

2. Application in the preparation of agar medium

MOPS can not only be used for liquid culture media, but also formulated into various agar culture media. These culture media are widely used for the isolation, purification, and cultivation of microorganisms. For example, MOPS plays a crucial role as a non-toxic buffer in the cultivation of Streptomyces and the production of cephalosporins.

3. Lysis buffer for Escherichia coli cells

MOPS is also commonly used as a lysis buffer for Escherichia coli cells in molecular biology experiments. By optimizing the lysis conditions, DNA and proteins within cells can be effectively extracted, providing high-quality biomolecules for subsequent experiments.

Precautions for using MOPS

Although MOPS has many advantages, the following points should still be noted during use:

1. Packaging and Storage: Due to the tendency of MOPS powder to aggregate and form hard lumps, it is recommended to package it appropriately before use and store it in a dry, cool environment. MOPS solution should be stored under low temperature conditions to avoid prolonged exposure to light, in order to prevent the color from turning yellow and affecting the effectiveness of use.

2. Sterilization method: High pressure sterilization of MOPS is not recommended as it may lead to the production of degradation products. It is recommended to use membrane filtration of 0.2 microns or smaller for sterilization treatment.

3. Safe operation: During use, experimental clothing and disposable gloves should be worn to prevent the solution from splashing into the eyes or skin. If not in contact, immediately rinse with plenty of water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

4. Concentration control: In mammalian cell culture, the concentration of MOPS should be too high to avoid adverse effects on cell growth.