20X SSPE Buffer Recipe

This recipe prepares 1 L of 20X SSPE containing 3 M NaCl, 200 mM sodium phosphate, and 20 mM EDTA at pH 7.4.

20X SSPE composition

ComponentAmount for 1 L20X stockFinal 1X
NaCl175.3 g3 M150 mM
NaH₂PO₄ · H₂O27.6 g200 mM10 mM
Na₂EDTA · 2H₂O7.4 g20 mM1 mM

How to prepare 1 L of 20X SSPE

  1. Add approximately 800 mL of ultrapure or deionized water to a suitable vessel.
  2. While stirring, add 175.3 g of NaCl, 27.6 g of NaH₂PO₄ · H₂O, and 7.4 g of Na₂EDTA · 2H₂O.
  3. Continue stirring until all components are completely dissolved.
  4. Adjust the pH to 7.4 with 10 M NaOH.
  5. Add ultrapure or deionized water until the final total volume is 1.00 L.
  6. Mix thoroughly to ensure the solution is uniform.
  7. Sterilize by autoclaving if required for the intended application.
  8. Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container and label it with the solution name and concentration, preparation date, and sterility information.

Note: Adjust the pH before bringing the solution to its final volume. Do not dissolve the components in a full 1 L of water, as this would produce a final volume greater than 1 L.

Scaled quantities

Final volumeNaClNaH₂PO₄ · H₂ONa₂EDTA · 2H₂O
100 mL17.53 g2.76 g0.74 g
250 mL43.83 g6.90 g1.85 g
500 mL87.65 g13.8 g3.70 g
1 L175.3 g27.6 g7.4 g

Working concentration and use

To prepare 1X SSPE, dilute one volume of 20X stock with 19 volumes of water. The resulting solution contains 150 mM NaCl, 10 mM sodium phosphate, and 1 mM EDTA and is commonly used for nucleic acid hybridization and washing.