What are the most common types of buffer solutions used in gel electrophoresis?

There are several different types of buffer solutions used in gel electrophoresis. They are used to provide the necessary current-carrying ions and to maintain the pH at a relatively constant value.

The two most common types of buffer solutions used in gel electrophoresis are Tris/Acetate/EDTA (TAE) and Tris/Borate/EDTA (TBE). Both these buffers have a relatively constant pH. Both are also capable of conducting electricity because of their hydrogen ion concentration. These properties allow a current to pass through the sample while resisting pH changes in the overall solution in gel electrophoresis.