Zymo Reagents

<h2>What are PCR and molecular assays for microbiomics?</h2>
&nbsp;
PCR and molecular assays in this category use quantitative PCR (qPCR) or digital PCR to measure the copy number of a defined DNA target, most often the 16S rRNA gene, to determine total bacterial load in a sample, or a specific pathogen or functional gene target for detection purposes. Unlike 16S or shotgun sequencing, which characterize the full taxonomic or functional composition of a community, these molecular assays provide a faster, more targeted quantitative or presence/absence readout for a specific question.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will discover:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Femto&trade; Quantification Kits: Highly sensitive systems engineered for the detection of human, bacterial, or fungal DNA at the femtogram level with negligible sequence bias.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
High-Fidelity qPCR Premixes: Tailored master mixes designed for effective amplification and enhanced nuclear signal localization in low-biomass samples.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Certified DNA Standards: Reference materials tested for reproducibility and No Template Controls (NTC) designed to calibrate the linear dynamic range and avert background contamination.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
ZymoTaq&trade; Specialized Polymerases: Enzymes that are heat-activated and free of nucleases, crafted to minimize non-specific amplification and guarantee high specificity in workflows associated with CRISPR.
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>How to choose PCR and molecular assays</h2>
&nbsp;
Use total bacterial load qPCR to screen samples before sequencing
A qPCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene quantifies total bacterial content in a sample, providing a useful pre-sequencing check for low-biomass samples likely to produce poor amplification or unreliable sequencing results if processed without this screening step.
Decide between qPCR and digital PCR based on sensitivity needs
Digital PCR can offer higher sensitivity and more accurate quantification than standard qPCR, particularly for low-biomass samples at the limit of detection, though at the cost of longer processing time, generally a meaningful tradeoff only when standard qPCR proves insufficient.
Confirm your qPCR assay design addresses known technical pitfalls
Well-designed 16S qPCR assays address known issues like self-priming or mispriming of unintended targets, amplification bias from non-optimal primer coverage, and amplicon size constraints for compatibility with clinical or high-throughput qPCR platforms.
Use pathogen-specific or functional gene qPCR for targeted detection
Beyond total bacterial load, qPCR can target a specific pathogen's single-copy gene or a functional gene of interest, such as an antibiotic resistance gene, providing a faster, more targeted answer than waiting for full sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.
Plan for known PCR limitations in environmental and clinical samples
Standard qPCR can be limited by reliance on standard reference materials for quantification and is prone to inhibition from substances naturally present in environmental or clinical samples, such as heavy metals or organic matter, which digital PCR can sometimes overcome with improved robustness.
&nbsp;
<h2>Specifications context</h2>
&nbsp;
A PCR-based total bacterial quantification assay can provide an exact calculation of bacterial abundance useful for assessing whether a sample is likely to yield positive amplification before committing it to full sequencing, helping avoid wasted sequencing runs on low-biomass samples. As of 2026, digital PCR continues to see increased adoption over standard qPCR specifically for low-biomass, environmental, or inhibitor-prone sample types, where its improved sensitivity and accuracy can outweigh its longer processing time.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Reach out to the expert team at MBP Inc.</a> now to ask for a quote on the appropriate PCR and molecular assays for your laboratory.

PCR & Molecular Assays

MSDS

Bacterial DNA Standards and No Template Control (#1-8)

E2006-2 by Zymo Research is a set of 8 ready-to-use bacterial DNA standards (50 µL each) spanning 20 ng to 0.00002 ng per well in a 10-fold serial dilution series, plus a no-template control. Used to generate qPCR standard curves with the Femto™ Bacterial DNA Quantification Kit (E2006). Compatible with any real-time qPCR instrument. Store at −20°C.

Manufacturer

Shipping Condition

Storage Condition

<h2>What Are Zymo Research Buffers?</h2>
Zymo Research buffers are formulation-specific reagents used at defined steps &mdash; lysis, binding, wash, and elution &mdash; in Zymo-Spin column-based purification protocols for DNA, RNA, and bisulfite-converted DNA. Each buffer is optimized for a specific kit family: DNA Wash Buffer concentrate (requires ethanol addition before use) removes salts and contaminants before elution from Zymo-Spin silica columns; DNA Elution Buffer (10 mM Tris, pH 8.5, 0.1 mM EDTA) releases purified DNA from the matrix; RNA Wash Buffer supports RNA extraction kits including Quick-RNA and Direct-zol lines; M-Elution Buffer is designed for eluting bisulfite-converted DNA in EZ DNA Methylation kits. Researchers typically order these separately when a single buffer component runs out before the rest of the kit, or when scaling up a protocol beyond the volume included.
TL;DR: Order Zymo buffers individually to replenish a specific step in your existing Zymo workflow without replacing the full kit.
<h2>How to Choose Zymo Research Buffers</h2>
<h3>Match the buffer to your kit family</h3>
Every Zymo buffer is paired to a specific kit line. DNA Wash Buffer and DNA/RNA Wash Buffer concentrate are used in DNA Clean &amp; Concentrator, Quick-DNA, and Zymoclean Gel DNA Recovery kits. RNA Wash Buffer pairs with Quick-RNA kits. ZymoBIOMICS DNA Wash Buffer 1 and Wash Buffer 2 are specific to the ZymoBIOMICS microbiomics line. Substituting a buffer from a different kit family can compromise yield or purity.
<h3>Confirm ethanol addition requirements before use</h3>
Several Zymo wash buffer concentrates require addition of 96-100% ethanol to the bottle before first use &mdash; the label states the exact volume. DNA Wash Buffer concentrate, DNA/RNA Wash Buffer concentrate, and Urine DNA Wash Buffer concentrate all require this step. Pre-made (non-concentrate) versions such as RNA Wash Buffer are supplied ready to use.
<h3>Select the right volume for your throughput</h3>
Zymo buffers are available in sizes from 6 ml (single-experiment replenishment) up to 500 ml (Buffer P1 Red, for high-volume plasmid prep labs). For labs processing more than 50 samples per week, ordering the largest available size reduces per-sample cost and the frequency of reordering.
<h3>Choose elution buffer chemistry based on downstream application</h3>
DNA Elution Buffer (10 mM Tris pH 8.5, 0.1 mM EDTA) is the standard for most PCR and sequencing applications. For applications sensitive to EDTA &mdash; such as some restriction enzyme digests or direct use with divalent cation-dependent enzymes &mdash; eluting in molecular-grade water or a Tris-only buffer is preferable. M-Elution Buffer is specifically formulated for bisulfite-converted DNA and should not be substituted with standard elution buffer in methylation workflows.
<h3>Verify research-use-only status</h3>
All Zymo Research buffers sold through MBP are for research use only (RUO). They are not cleared for in vitro diagnostic use. For clinical or diagnostic laboratory applications, confirm regulatory status with your institutional compliance officer before use.
<h2>Compare Zymo Buffer Types</h2>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Buffer Type</th>
<th>Primary Application</th>
<th>Kit Family</th>
<th>Format Available</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DNA Wash Buffer (concentrate)</td>
<td>Salt removal before DNA elution</td>
<td>DNA Clean &amp; Concentrator, Quick-DNA</td>
<td>6 ml &ndash; 200 ml</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DNA/RNA Wash Buffer (concentrate)</td>
<td>Salt removal for dual DNA/RNA preps</td>
<td>Quick-DNA/RNA kits</td>
<td>6 ml &ndash; 200 ml</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DNA Elution Buffer (10 mM Tris pH 8.5, 0.1 mM EDTA)</td>
<td>DNA release from silica column</td>
<td>All Zymo DNA purification</td>
<td>16 ml &ndash; available sizes vary</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RNA Wash Buffer</td>
<td>RNA purification wash step</td>
<td>Quick-RNA kits</td>
<td>Ready-to-use</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>M-Elution Buffer</td>
<td>Elution of bisulfite-converted DNA</td>
<td>EZ DNA Methylation kit families</td>
<td>Small volume</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ZymoBIOMICS DNA Wash Buffer 2</td>
<td>Metagenomic/microbiomic DNA cleanup</td>
<td>ZymoBIOMICS DNA kits</td>
<td>Sold separately</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Buffer P1 Red</td>
<td>Alkaline lysis resuspension (plasmid prep)</td>
<td>Zyppy Plasmid Miniprep</td>
<td>10 ml &ndash; 500 ml</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
Zymo wash buffer concentrates are supplied at a defined fold-concentration (commonly 4x or 6x) and require ethanol addition to reach working strength &mdash; the exact ratio is printed on the bottle and in the kit protocol. Elution buffer volumes for Zymo-Spin columns typically range from 6 to 100 &micro;l per elution; larger elution volumes improve total yield at the cost of DNA concentration. For DNA elution from Zymo-Spin columns, the protocol recommends a minimum 1-minute contact time between elution buffer and the silica matrix to maximize recovery of fragments 10 kb and above. As of 2025, Zymo Research tests all buffer lots for performance consistency, with integrity guaranteed for up to one year from purchase date.
Browse the full <a href="https://www.notion.so/reagents">Zymo Research reagents collection at MBP</a> for kits and columns that use these buffers, or visit our <a href="https://www.notion.so/reagents/buffers">reagent buffers category</a> for non-Zymo buffer options including ABM and other brands. For volume orders or purchase orders, use the <a href="https://www.notion.so/quickorder">Quick Order</a> tool or <a href="https://www.notion.so/contact-us">contact us</a> directly &mdash; MBP is a registered vendor for institutional procurement systems.
Last updated: June 2025
&nbsp;

Zymo Buffers

BashingBead Buffer

ZR BashingBead Buffer (D6001-3-150) by Zymo Research — 150 mL, room temperature stable, 750 µL/sample, for bead-beating lysis of fecal, soil, fungal, and bacterial samples.

BashingBead Buffer (150 ml)

BashingBead Buffer (40 ml)

Columns, Plastics & Accessories

Biohazard Specimen Bags - 3" x 5" bag with 2" x 3" absorbent pad (10 Pack)

Biohazard Specimen Bags — P3000-1-10 by Zymo Research — are 3 × 5 in clear three-wall polyethylene bags with a 2 × 3 in absorbent pad (capacity: 180 cc water, 60 cc urine, 38 cc blood), reclosable zipper closure, and OSHA/NCCLS compliance, supplied in packs of 10. Designed for light-duty biohazardous specimen transport in research and clinical laboratory settings. Order from MBP via <a href="https://www.mbpinc.net/quickorder">Quick Order</a> or contact <a href="mailto:customerservice@mbpinc.net">customerservice@mbpinc.net</a>.

Certification/Compliance

Closure Type

Color

For Use With (Application)

Material

Product Type

<h2>What are methylation standards?</h2>
&nbsp;
Methylation standards are defined reference DNA materials with a known and confirmed methylation status, ranging from a fully methylated DNA (where every cytosine at CpG or other sites carries a methyl group) to a fully unmethylated DNA (where no cytosines are methylated) and intermediate or mixed standards containing a defined ratio of the two. The most widely used unmethylated control in bisulfite sequencing is lambda phage DNA, which is naturally unmethylated and can be spiked into a conversion reaction to estimate conversion efficiency.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Methylated and non-methylated DNA control sets for comparative epigenetic analysis and assay validation</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Universal methylated DNA standards for methylation assessment workflows</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Genomic DNA reference materials: for microbial and human methylation studies</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Matched DNA sets: used in experimental models for controlled comparison of methylation status&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Bisulfite-converted DNA standards: for downstream sequencing-based methylation and PCR analysis</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Methylation spike-in controls: for sequencing normalization and high-throughput workflows</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Mouse and human DNA methylation reference sets: for specific species epigenetic studies</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Methylated DNA IP control kits for methylation assays involving immunoprecipitation</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>How to use methylation standards</h2>
&nbsp;
Spike an unmethylated control into every bisulfite or enzymatic conversion reaction
Running an unmethylated DNA like lambda phage DNA alongside your samples in the same conversion reaction estimates the conversion efficiency of that specific run, since every remaining cytosine signal after conversion should be treated as a false positive, and this rate can be quantified and accounted for in downstream analysis.
Run a fully methylated positive control to confirm methylated cytosines are preserved
A fully methylated standard, such as DNA synthesized with 5-methyl-dCTP or commercially prepared methylated genomic DNA, confirms your conversion workflow correctly preserves methylated cytosines intact rather than inadvertently converting them, which would produce false-negative methylation calls.
Use a mixed or intermediate standard to calibrate quantitative methylation assays
A standard containing a defined ratio of methylated to unmethylated DNA, or a set of standards spanning a range of methylation percentages, provides a calibration curve for quantitative methylation assays like 5-methylcytosine ELISA, validating that the assay reports the expected methylation level across its full dynamic range.
Confirm standard stability before long-term storage or lot-to-lot use
Methylation control DNA has documented stability windows, and confirming that your standard's methylation status is stable under storage conditions, and consistent across lots, is necessary for reliable longitudinal monitoring of conversion efficiency.
Use standards to monitor workflow consistency over time
Running a conversion control in every batch allows longitudinal tracking of conversion efficiency across instrument runs, reagent lots, and protocol variations, helping catch workflow drift before it affects real sample results.
&nbsp;
<h2>Specifications context</h2>
&nbsp;
Lambda phage DNA is the most commonly used unmethylated bisulfite conversion control because it is naturally unmethylated, commercially available, and well characterized, and it can be aligned to the known lambda phage reference genome after sequencing to calculate residual unconverted cytosine rates, providing a direct, interpretable measure of conversion efficiency. As of 2026, fully methylated and fully unmethylated standard sets are also used alongside enzymatic methyl-seq conversions to confirm that EM-seq's enzymatic mechanism correctly protects methylated cytosines and converts unmethylated ones, independent of the conversion chemistry used.
This category sits within DNA/RNA Methylation, alongside Bisulfite Conversion Kits, Non-Bisulfite Kits &amp; Reagents, and ELISA Kits &amp; Reagents. See the full reagents catalog and use Quick Order for recurring orders.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the expert team of Molecular Biology Products Inc. (MBP)</a> to get high-quality methylation standards for your lab today.

Methylation Standards

Protocol

Bisulfite Converted Universal Methylated Human DNA Standard

Bisulfite Converted Universal Methylated Human DNA Standard (D5015) by Zymo Research — pre-converted human brain genomic DNA with >95% CpG methylation, 20 ng/µl, 1 µg/50 µl (50 reactions). Includes MLH1 validation primers.

Concentration

Sample Storage

Buffer P1 (Red)

D4027-1 by Zymo Research — Buffer P1 (Red), the bacterial cell resuspension buffer for the ZR Plasmid Miniprep - Classic Kit and ZR BAC DNA Miniprep Kit (D4048). Red color provides visual lysis monitoring when combined with P2 (Green). Room temperature storage. Available in 10 ml, 20 ml, 80 ml, 160 ml, and 500 ml formats.

Buffer P1 (10 ml) (Red)

Buffer P1 (160 ml) (Red)

Buffer P1 (20 ml) (Red)

Buffer P1 (320 ml) (Red)

Buffer P1, 500 ml (Red)

Buffer P1 (80 ml) (Red)

DataSheet

Buffer P3 (Yellow)

D4027-3-12 by Zymo Research is Buffer P3 (Yellow), the 12 ml neutralization buffer for the ZR Plasmid Miniprep - Classic Kit alkaline lysis workflow. Available individually in four volumes (12 ml, 50 ml, 220 ml, 440 ml) to replenish existing kits without replacing the full kit.

Buffer P3 (12 ml) (Yellow)

Buffer P3 (220 ml) (Yellow)

Buffer P3 (440 ml) (Yellow)

Buffer P3 (50 ml) (Yellow)

<h2>What are bisulfite conversion reagents and buffers?</h2>
&nbsp;
Bisulfite conversion reagents include sodium bisulfite solution, denaturation and conversion buffers, and complete kits that bundle all components needed for the three-step chemical reaction: sulfonation of cytosine to a cytosine-bisulfite derivative, hydrolytic deamination to a uracil-bisulfite derivative, and alkali desulfonation to yield uracil. This process converts unmethylated cytosines to uracil while leaving 5-methylcytosine intact and unconverted, because 5-methylcytosine resists bisulfite-mediated deamination under standard conditions.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">RNA and DNA conversion reagents for enhanced modification of cytosine in methylation workflows</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Desulphonation buffers for stabilization of nucleic acids and post-conversion cleanup&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Binding buffers used during purification for efficient capture of converted RNA and DNA</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Wash buffers for the removal of inhibitors and improved purity of samples</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Elution buffers for high-quality recovery of converted nucleic acids</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">DNA denaturing and digestion buffers for controlled workflow and optimized conversion efficiency</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dilution and reaction buffers for maintaining stable assay conditions</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Solubilization and dissolution buffers for sample processing and preparation&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lightning conversion reagents for efficient and rapid methylation analysis workflows</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>How to use bisulfite conversion reagents</h2>
&nbsp;
Ensure complete DNA denaturation before conversion to avoid incomplete conversion
Bisulfite only acts on cytosines in single-stranded DNA, so complete denaturation of the input DNA is the most critical first step, since failure to fully denature can leave double-stranded regions in which cytosines are shielded from the bisulfite reagent and remain unconverted.
Understand that incomplete conversion produces false-positive methylation results
If the conversion is incomplete, unconverted unmethylated cytosines will read as cytosine after sequencing, which will be incorrectly interpreted as methylated cytosine, artificially inflating the apparent methylation level of the sample in a false-positive direction.
Optimize conversion conditions to balance completeness against DNA degradation
The harsh conditions needed for complete bisulfite conversion, including high bisulfite concentration, elevated temperature, and long incubation, also fragment and degrade DNA, and optimizing conditions that achieve high conversion while minimizing degradation is a key technical challenge in bisulfite workflows.
Include an unmethylated conversion control to estimate residual incomplete conversion
Including an unmethylated control DNA, such as lambda phage DNA, in the same conversion reaction provides a readout of how completely unmethylated cytosines were converted, helping quantify residual incomplete conversion rates and account for them in downstream analysis.
Be aware of specific challenges for FFPE and degraded DNA samples
Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue DNA is already fragmented before bisulfite treatment, and the additional fragmentation during conversion can result in poor library yields; specific modified protocols and carrier reagents can help reduce further degradation during the conversion step.
&nbsp;
<h2>Specifications context</h2>
&nbsp;
Bisulfite sequencing is widely regarded as the gold standard for DNA methylation analysis due to its high resolution and accuracy at single-base level, but it also introduces specific DNA quality challenges for downstream library preparation and sequencing, particularly for samples already of poor quality like FFPE tissue. As of 2026, enzymatic conversion is increasingly recommended as the preferred alternative to bisulfite conversion specifically because it achieves comparable discrimination between methylated and unmethylated cytosines while minimizing the DNA damage and library complexity loss that harsh bisulfite chemistry introduces.
This category sits within DNA/RNA Methylation under Epigenetics, and for a synthetic, fully methylated positive control to run through the conversion workflow, see dNTPs (Deoxynucleotide Triphosphates). See the full reagents catalog and use Quick Order for recurring orders.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the expert team</a> at MBP and request a quote today to get high-quality bisulfite conversion reagents for your lab.

Bisulfite Conversion Reagents & Buffers

D5001-1 - MSDS

D5003-1 - MSDS

CT Conversion Reagent

D5001-1 CT Conversion Reagent by Zymo Research — 10 bisulfite conversions; &gt;99% non-methylated C conversion; &gt;99% methylated C protection; input 500&nbsp;pg&ndash;2&nbsp;&micro;g; compatible with EZ DNA Methylation kit series.

CT Conversion Reagent (1 Tube for 10 Conversions)

CT Conversion Reagent (5 x 10 Rxns.)

CT Conversion Reagent (96 Conversions) (1 Bottle)

Cell-free Recovery Buffer (20 ml)

Cell-free Recovery Buffer (R1072-3-20) by Zymo Research — 20 ml replacement component for the Quick-cfDNA/cfRNA Serum &amp; Plasma Kit. Separates RNA from DNA into separate final eluates. Room temperature storage.

<h2>What are ChIP buffers?</h2>
&nbsp;
ChIP buffers are the aqueous formulations used at each stage of a chromatin immunoprecipitation protocol: cell lysis buffer disrupts the plasma membrane and releases nuclear content, nuclear lysis buffer solubilizes chromatin under conditions compatible with subsequent immunoprecipitation, sonication buffer maintains chromatin stability during shearing, ChIP dilution buffer reduces SDS concentration from the lysis buffer to allow antibody-antigen binding, sequential wash buffers with increasing ionic strength and detergent remove non-specifically bound chromatin while preserving the specific antibody-antigen-DNA complex, and elution buffer releases the captured complex from the antibody-bead resin before de-crosslinking.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">MN Digestion Buffer used in MNase-based workflows for enzymatic fragmentation of&nbsp; chromatin&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Chromatin Shearing Buffer using sonification for chromatin disruption and preparation</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">5X MN Stop Buffer for the termination of enzymatic digestion reactions</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Chromatin Dilution Buffer used in ChIP assays to provide optimized conditions for antibody binding&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Chromatin Wash Buffer I, II, and III for background reduction and step-by-step non-specific binding removal&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">ChIP DNA Binding Buffer for purification and capture of immunoprecipitated DNA</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">5X Chromatin Elution Buffer for protein&ndash;DNA complexes recovery</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">5M NaCl for enhancing elution and chromatin stabilization</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Nuclei Prep Buffer used before chromatin extraction for superior nuclear isolation</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>How to use ChIP buffers</h2>
&nbsp;
Always add protease inhibitors to lysis and wash buffers immediately before use
Protease inhibitors must be added fresh to cell lysis and nuclear lysis buffers immediately before use, since most inhibitors are unstable in aqueous solution and lose activity quickly, and without them, nuclear proteases released during lysis will degrade histone tails and reduce ChIP enrichment of histone modifications.
Confirm SDS concentration is diluted before immunoprecipitation
High SDS in the nuclear lysis buffer is necessary for chromatin solubilization and sonication, but must be diluted approximately 10-fold using ChIP dilution buffer before antibody addition, since high SDS disrupts antibody-antigen binding and reduces immunoprecipitation efficiency.
Keep all buffers and chromatin on ice throughout the workflow after lysis
Chromatin prepared for ChIP is sensitive to non-specific interactions and protease activity after cell lysis, and maintaining samples at 4&deg;C throughout all lysis, sonication, immunoprecipitation, and wash steps minimizes these effects and preserves specificity of the enrichment.
Optimize wash buffer stringency to balance specificity against yield
ChIP wash buffers are applied sequentially at increasing ionic strength and detergent concentration to remove non-specifically bound chromatin; conditions too stringent can also strip the specific antibody-antigen-DNA complex from the beads, reducing yield, so optimization of wash conditions for each antibody-target combination improves performance.
Confirm elution buffer composition fits your downstream application
Standard ChIP elution buffers containing SDS and sodium bicarbonate release the protein-DNA complex and reverse crosslinks, but high SDS in the eluate can inhibit some NGS library preparation enzymes, making a DNA cleanup step after elution important before proceeding to library prep.
&nbsp;
<h2>Specifications context</h2>
&nbsp;
Protease inhibitor cocktails, added fresh to lysis buffers immediately before ChIP, are a standard component across kit formats and in-house protocols, since even brief protease activity can compromise histone modification detection by degrading the histone tails that ChIP antibodies recognize. As of 2026, ChIP buffer formulations compatible with low-input chromatin and NGS library preparation continue to be optimized for primary cell and tissue ChIP workflows.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the expert team </a>at MBP and request a quote today to get high-quality ChIP buffers for your lab.

Buffers

ChIP DNA Binding Buffer

D5201-1-100 ChIP DNA Binding Buffer by Zymo Research — 100 ml; 5:1 ratio to ChIP sample; tolerates 1% SDS, 5% Triton X-100/Tween-20/Sarkosyl; Zymo-Spin I and IC column compatible; room-temp storage.

ChIP DNA Binding Buffer (100 ml)

ChIP DNA Binding Buffer (50 ml)

<h2>What are ChIP kits?</h2>
&nbsp;
ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation) kits provide all the components needed to enrich a specific protein-DNA complex from fixed, sheared chromatin using an antibody against the protein of interest, whether a histone modification like H3K4me3 or a DNA-binding protein like a transcription factor. A complete ChIP kit covers: formaldehyde crosslinking of proteins to DNA in intact cells or tissue, cell lysis and nuclear extraction, chromatin shearing to appropriate fragment sizes, immunoprecipitation using an antibody pre-bound to protein A/G beads, sequential washing to remove non-specific binding, elution of the antibody-protein-DNA complex, de-crosslinking to release the DNA, and purification of the enriched DNA for downstream analysis.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/reagents/epigenetics/chip-kits/buffers">Buffers: </a>for immunoprecipitation, chromatin preparation, elution, and washing workflows. Includes Chromatin Shearing Buffer, MN Digestion Buffer, and Chromatin Wash Buffers, designed to support efficient chromatin cleanup, fragmentation, and recovery in ChIP assays
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>How to choose and use ChIP kits</h2>
&nbsp;
Decide between sonication-based and enzymatic chromatin shearing
Sonication shears chromatin mechanically into fragments typically 200&ndash;1000 bp through several optimized burst-and-cool cycles, while enzymatic kits use micrococcal nuclease (MNase) or similar enzymes to cleave chromatin at accessible linker regions. Each approach has different resolution characteristics and cell-type-specific optimization requirements.
Confirm your ChIP kit is compatible with your antibody and magnetic bead format
Most modern ChIP kits use magnetic protein A or protein G Dynabeads to capture the antibody-antigen complex during immunoprecipitation, and matching the bead type to the antibody species and isotype is important for efficient capture and low background.
Plan sonication optimization as a required step before your ChIP experiment
Fragment size after sonication, ideally 200&ndash;750 bp for most ChIP-seq applications, must be confirmed by gel electrophoresis or Bioanalyzer before proceeding, since fragment size directly affects both immunoprecipitation efficiency and the resolution of the resulting ChIP-seq data.
Include an input chromatin control and an isotype control antibody
Running an aliquot of the pre-immunoprecipitation chromatin as an input control normalizes for differences in chromatin accessibility across the genome, while an isotype-matched antibody control establishes background enrichment levels above which true binding sites can be distinguished.
Keep all steps after cell lysis cold to prevent protein degradation
Chromatin prepared for ChIP is sensitive to protease activity and non-specific interactions after formaldehyde fixation, and including protease inhibitors in all lysis and wash buffers, as well as keeping samples cold throughout, reduces background and preserves specificity of the immunoprecipitation.
&nbsp;
<h2>Specifications context</h2>
&nbsp;
Sonication requires careful optimization for each cell type and instrument, typically involving pilot experiments at varying pulse widths, total times, and rest intervals, with fragment size evaluated by gel electrophoresis after de-crosslinking to confirm the target range of 200&ndash;750 bp before a full ChIP experiment is run. As of 2026, low-input and ultra-low-input ChIP kits continue to expand access to ChIP experiments from limited cell numbers such as primary cell populations and rare clinical samples, while nano-ChIP and CUT&amp;RUN approaches provide complementary alternatives for very low cell inputs where classical ChIP requires too many cells.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the expert team</a> at Molecular Biology Products Inc. (MBP) to get premium-quality ChIP reagents and buffers for your lab.

ChIP Kits

ChIP DNA Clean & Concentrator™

D5201 by Zymo Research purifies ChIP DNA at any workflow step in 2 minutes with ≥6 µl elution volume and 70–90% recovery for fragments from 50 bp to 23 kb. The binding buffer is formulated to tolerate antibodies, detergents, and Proteinase K, making intermediate cleanups and final elution cleanup equally seamless. Designed for ChIP-seq, ChIP-qPCR, and array-based downstream applications.

Elution Volume

Processing Time

Recovery

Size Range

Storage

ChIP DNA Clean & Concentrator™ (50 Preps.)(Uncapped Columns)

ChIP DNA Clean & Concentrator™ (50 Preps.)(Capped Columns)

<h2 data-section-id="1go10h8" data-start="173" data-end="215">What are classic cell culture media?</h2>
&nbsp;
Classic cell culture media refers to the foundational basal medium formulations that have underpinned mammalian cell culture since the mid-20th century: DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium), MEM (Minimum Essential Medium), RPMI 1640, Ham's Nutrient Mixtures F-10 and F-12, IMDM (Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium), and the combination formulation DMEM/F-12. Each is manufactured according to its originally published formula, with modifications limited to those necessary for consistent performance and stability of the medium over its shelf life. These media supply the amino acids, vitamins, glucose, salts, and (in most formulations) phenol red pH indicator that form the nutritional backbone of essentially all subsequent specialty, serum-free, and Advanced media derivatives.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Selective Mammalian Antibiotics including Puromycin, Geneticin, and Hygromycin B for stable development of cell lines.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Broad-Spectrum Bactericidal Agents for routine contamination prevention, including Penicillin/Streptomycin and Gentamicin&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Prokaryotic Selection Reagents for effective bacterial transformation, including Ampicillin, Kanamycin, Chloramphenicol, and Tetracycline&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Antifungal and Antimycotic Solutions to maintain sterile cultures, including combined 100X cocktails and Amphotericin B (Fungizone)&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Specialized Small Molecules for targeted biochemical assays, including Ganciclovir, Rapamycin, and Actinomycin D&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
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<h2 data-section-id="1mfajxk" data-start="1218" data-end="1252">How to choose a classic medium</h2>
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DMEM vs MEM
DMEM contains up to four times the amino acid and vitamin concentration of original Eagle's MEM, along with higher glucose levels, making it suitable for cell types with elevated nutrient demands &mdash; DMEM is broadly applicable across mammalian, insect, and plant cell phenotypes including primary cells, stem cells, and transformed lines. MEM remains widely used for monolayer culture of many standard cell types, with optional Hanks' or Earle's salt formulations and a calcium-free modification that permits suspension growth.
RPMI 1640 for suspension and hematopoietic culture
RPMI 1640, developed at the Roswell Park Memorial Institute for culturing human leukemic cells, is optimized for non-adherent cell types &mdash; lymphocytes and other blood cells &mdash; and contains glutathione plus higher biotin, B12, and PABA concentrations than DMEM or MEM. Despite its hematopoietic origin, RPMI 1640 supports a broad range of adherent lines (HeLa, T47D, RENCA, CT26.WT) when properly supplemented.
Ham's F-10/F-12 for CHO and specialized applications
Ham's nutrient mixtures were originally developed for CHO cell clones, HeLa cells, and mouse L-cells, and remain suited to hepatocyte culture, viral fusion experiments, and toxicity assays, with formulations available for use with or without serum. Coon's modification of Ham's F-12 roughly doubles the amino acid and pyruvate content and adds ascorbic acid, developed specifically for hybrid cells produced by viral fusion.
DMEM/F-12 for complex, rich-medium applications
DMEM/F-12 (1:1 mixture) combines DMEM's glucose, amino acid, and vitamin richness with Ham's F-12's zinc, putrescine, hypoxanthine, and thymidine, producing an extremely rich complex medium used for MDCK cells, glial cells, fibroblasts, and human endothelial cells &mdash; and serving as the basal medium for many serum-free Advanced formulations used in organoid and stem cell work.
IMDM for high-density rapid proliferation
IMDM further enriches DMEM with additional amino acids and vitamins, substituting potassium nitrate for ferric nitrate and adding HEPES and sodium pyruvate. IMDM's sodium bicarbonate buffer system (5&ndash;10% CO₂) and enriched composition make it well suited for rapidly proliferating, high-density cultures including Jurkat, COS-7, and macrophage cells.
Liquid vs. powder format
Liquid classic media are ready to use (after appropriate FBS and supplement addition) and include sodium bicarbonate in the formulation. Powdered media are manufactured without sodium bicarbonate, since it tends to off-gas in powder form &mdash; 3.7 g/L sodium bicarbonate must be added upon reconstitution, followed by sterile filtration. Powder formats offer cost and shipping-weight advantages for high-volume labs preparing their own media.
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<h2 data-section-id="17i0pj" data-start="5035" data-end="5061">Specifications context</h2>
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Classic media are manufactured according to originally published formulas, with stability-related modifications documented per product. DMEM's sodium bicarbonate buffer system at 3.7 g/L is standard across liquid formulations; powdered formats require this addition upon reconstitution along with 0.22 &micro;m sterile filtration. As of 2026, DMEM, DMEM/F-12, and RPMI 1640 remain the three most widely specified classic media across academic and biomanufacturing labs, with IMDM increasingly used for high-density suspension applications in bioprocessing.
For recombinant growth factors and cytokines used alongside classic media, see Recombinant Proteins. For supplementation reagents (GlutaMAX, NEAA, sodium pyruvate, HEPES), see Cell Culture Supplements &amp; Additives. Browse Mammalian Cell Culture for the broader category.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the expert team </a>at MBP to get highly efficient microbial control solutions for your lab.

Antibiotics

Chloramphenicol

Zymo Research A1002 Chloramphenicol Solution: 10 mg/mL in 95% ethanol, ≥ 97% purity, sterile. Working concentration 20 µg/mL. E. coli cat-gene selection; BAC/PAC amplification. Storage −20°C. Available as 1 × 5 mL (A1002-5) or 5 × 5 mL (A1002-25). Made in USA.

Product Storage

Purity

Working Concentration

Chloramphenicol (10 mg/ml in Ethanol) (5 x 5 ml)

Chloramphenicol (10 mg/ml in Ethanol) (5 ml)

Chromatin Dilution Buffer (30 ml)

D5210-2-30 Chromatin Dilution Buffer by Zymo Research — 30 ml, room-temperature storage — dilutes ChIP-grade antibody during chromatin immunoprecipitation. Compatible with Zymo-Spin ChIP Kit (D5209, D5210).