Citrate Buffer (pH 3.0 to 6.2) Preparation and Recipe

Citrate buffers can be used for RNA isolation, due to its ability to prevent base hydrolysis. The buffer is also used for antigen detection by breaking cross-links between antigens and any substances in its fixation medium. Citrate buffer is a popular choice for immunofluorescent staining applications, as it can aid in stain intensity without contributing to background signal. It is a popular choice for biological research and clinical applications, including pathology, and has had an increasing role in the medical field, as it has been shown to mildly improve dialysis efficiency. It has a shelf life of up to 3 months at room temperature.

Available for purchase here.

To prepare

L of Citrate Buffer (pH 3.0 to 6.2):

Change the value in the textbox above to scale the recipe volume

Current molarity: 0.1	Adjust the molarity of the solution by using the slider below
Current pH: 6.2	Adjust the pH of the solution by using the slider below

Table 1. Required components

Component	Amount	Concentration
Sodium Citrate dihydrate (mw: 294.1 g / mol)	#	#
Citric Acid (mw: 192.12 g / mol)	#	#

Prepare 800 mL of distilled water in a suitable container.
Add # of Sodium Citrate dihydrate to the solution
Add # of Citric Acid to the solution
Adjust solution to final desired pH using HCl or NaOH
Add distilled water until the volume is 1 L.

References

This online resource may be cited as follows

MLA	"Quest Calculate™ Citrate Buffer (pH 3.0 to 6.2) Preparation and Recipe." AAT Bioquest, Inc., 30 Oct. 2025, https://www.aatbio.com/resources/buffer-preparations-and-recipes/citrate-buffer-ph-3-to-6-2.
APA	AAT Bioquest, Inc. (2025, October 30). Quest Calculate™ Citrate Buffer (pH 3.0 to 6.2) Preparation and Recipe. AAT Bioquest. https://www.aatbio.com/resources/buffer-preparations-and-recipes/citrate-buffer-ph-3-to-6-2.
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