Buffers

<h2>What Are Zymo Research Buffers?</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>TL;DR:</strong> Order Zymo buffers individually to replenish a specific step in your existing Zymo workflow without replacing the full kit.</p>
<h2>How to Choose Zymo Research Buffers</h2>
<h3>Match the buffer to your kit family</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>Confirm ethanol addition requirements before use</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>Select the right volume for your throughput</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>Choose elution buffer chemistry based on downstream application</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>Verify research-use-only status</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<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>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>Last updated: June 2025</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Zymo Buffers

MSDS

YR Digestion Buffer (3.2 ml)

<p>R1001-1 by Zymo Research is a 3.2 mL YR Digestion Buffer for the YeaStar RNA Kit workflow, enabling enzymatic fungal cell wall digestion before RNA isolation. Stored at room temperature, non-hazardous, and available as a standalone replacement component.</p>

Manufacturer

Shipping Condition

Storage Condition

YR Lysis Buffer (6.4 ml)

<p>YR Lysis Buffer R1001-2 by Zymo Research is a 6.4 mL guanidinium thiocyanate-based lysis reagent for total RNA isolation from yeast and fungal species including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Used with the YeaStar RNA Kit (R1002); provides approximately 40 preparations per bottle. Sold as a standalone replacement component.</p>

ZR RNA Buffer

<p>ZR RNA Buffer — R1020-1-100 by Zymo Research — is a 100 mL one-step lysis and RNA binding buffer for use with the Quick-RNA Midiprep Kit, combining cell lysis and column binding into a single step to streamline RNA purification. Available from MBP in 50 mL, 100 mL, and 200 mL sizes. Order via <a href="https://www.mbpinc.net/quickorder">Quick Order</a> or contact <a href="mailto:customerservice@mbpinc.net">customerservice@mbpinc.net</a> for volume pricing.</p>

ZR RNA Buffer (100 ml)

ZR RNA Buffer (200 ml)

ZR RNA Buffer (50 ml)

DataSheet

ZR small-RNA Ladder (10 µg)

<p>R1090 by Zymo Research is a small RNA size marker consisting of four single-stranded RNA oligonucleotides at 17, 21, 25, and 29 nucleotides, supplied as 10 µg in water for denaturing PAGE. It spans the miRNA, siRNA, and piRNA size range, enabling accurate band-size assignment during small RNA gel analysis and sequencing library quality control. Compatible with GelStar® and other single-stranded nucleic acid stains.</p>

ZymoBIOMICS DNase/RNase Free Water

<p>ZymoBIOMICS DNase/RNase Free Water (D4302-5) by Zymo Research — certified DNase-free and RNase-free nuclease-free water for ZymoBIOMICS purification kits and molecular biology workflows. Available in 1 ml, 10 ml, 30 ml, and 50 ml. Research use only. Made in the USA.</p>

ZymoBIOMICS™ DNase/RNase-free Water (1 ml)

ZymoBIOMICS™ DNAse/RNAse Free Water (10 ml)

ZymoBIOMICS™ DNase/RNase Free Water (30 ml)

ZymoBIOMICS™ DNase/RNase Free Water (50 ml)

ZymoBIOMICS MagBinding Beads

<p>D4302-6 by Zymo Research is the ZymoBIOMICS™ MagBinding Beads—a magnetic bead suspension for use in ZymoBIOMICS magnetic bead-based DNA purification kits for high-throughput microbiome and metagenomic DNA extraction from fecal, soil, water, and biofilm samples in 96-well automation formats. Available as 6 mL or 12 mL standalone bottles for bead replenishment.</p>

ZymoBIOMICS™ MagBinding Beads (12 ml)

ZymoBIOMICS™ MagBinding Beads (6 ml)

ZymoBIOMICS™ BashingBead Buffer (150 ml)

<p>D4302-1-150 by Zymo Research is a 150 mL bottle of ZymoBIOMICS™ BashingBead Buffer — 750 µL used per sample with ZR BashingBead Lysis Tubes (0.1/0.5 mm) for mechanical bead-beating lysis of microbial cells in fecal, soil, water, and tissue samples. For use with ZymoBIOMICS DNA and DNA/RNA extraction kits.</p>

ZymoBIOMICS™ MagBinding Buffer (250 ml)

<p>The D4302-2-250 by Zymo Research is the ZymoBIOMICS MagBinding Buffer in a 250 ml format, used to mediate selective nucleic acid binding to ZymoBIOMICS MagBinding Beads in high-throughput microbiomic and metagenomic DNA/RNA extraction workflows. Sold as a standalone replenishment buffer for ZymoBIOMICS MagBead Kit protocols; made in the USA, Research Use Only.</p>

ZymoBIOMICS™ MagWash 1 (100 ml)

<p>D4302-3-100 by Zymo Research is ZymoBIOMICS™ MagWash 1, a certified low-bioburden washing reagent supplied in 100 ml for use as the first wash step in ZymoBIOMICS DNA MagBead Kit (D4308) protocols. Its low-bioburden certification minimizes background microbial contamination in low-abundance microbiome samples.</p>

ZymoBIOMICS™ MagWash 2 (200 ml)

<p>D4302-4-200 by Zymo Research — ZymoBIOMICS™ MagWash 2 (200 ml), a certified low-bioburden wash buffer for the ZymoBIOMICS DNA MagBead Kits (D4308). Minimizes microbial background contamination in low-biomass microbiome samples. Room temperature storage. For 16S rRNA, metagenomics, and magnetic bead extraction workflows.</p>

ZymoMag Protein A

<p>ZymoMag Protein A by Zymo Research are magnetic Protein A beads for chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and methylated-DNA IP (MeDIP), validated with the Zymo-Spin ChIP Kit (D5209/D5210). Available in 200 µL and 400 µL, manufactured in the USA.</p>

ZymoMag Protein A (400 µl)

ZymoPURE Binding Buffer for ZymoPURE Plasmid Purification Kits

<p>D4200-4 by Zymo Research is the ZymoPURE Binding Buffer, a standalone component for the ZymoPURE Plasmid Purification Kit series (D4200/D4201 Midiprep, D4202/D4203 Maxiprep). Used in the DNA binding step to adsorb transfection-grade plasmid DNA onto ZymoPURE silica columns from clarified E. coli lysate. Available in volumes from 3 ml to 410 ml for workflow replenishment. Room temperature storage. Made in USA by Zymo Research.</p>