TAE is the most common running buffer for agarose DNA gels. Labs keep a concentrated 50× stock and dilute it 1:50 to the 1× working strength on the day.
Scale this recipe. Recipe makes 1 L. Make instead:
Ingredient amounts below update automatically.
Ingredients
| Component | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tris base | 242 g | MW 121.14 g/mol |
| Glacial acetic acid | 57.1 mL | in a fume hood |
| 0.5 M EDTA (pH 8.0) | 100 mL | see the EDTA recipe |
| Deionised water | 700 mL | to final volume |
Method
- Dissolve the Tris base in about 700 mL of deionised water.
- Add the glacial acetic acid and the 0.5 M EDTA (pH 8.0).
- Make up to the final volume with deionised water and mix. The 50× stock needs no further pH adjustment (it sits near pH 8.5).
- Store at room temperature. To make 1× working buffer, dilute the stock 1:50 (for example, 20 mL stock in 980 mL water per litre).
Notes & safety
1× TAE contains 40 mM Tris-acetate and 1 mM EDTA. TAE has a lower buffering capacity than TBE and can exhaust during long runs; circulate or replace the buffer for extended electrophoresis.
Consult the Safety Data Sheet for each reagent and follow your institution's protocols. Wear appropriate PPE.
Related guides: How to Make a Buffer Solution · Dilution and Serial Dilution Ex…
Equipment for this prep
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