What buffers should be used for flow calcium assays?

Calcium buffers, such as parvalbumins (α and β isoforms), calbindin-D9k, calbindin-D28k, and calretinin, serve as essential components in the control of calcium signaling and calcium balance within cells. Beyond their roles in buffering calcium ions, some of these proteins may also function as calcium sensors. Buffers play a crucial role in precisely regulating calcium signaling and maintaining Ca2+ balance within cells. Each cell possesses proteins like Ca2+ channels, pumps and transporters. When choosing a Ca2+, the key factor to consider is selecting one with a dissociation constant (Kd) that closely matches the target free (Ca2+). This ensures the buffer effectively interacts with calcium ions at the specific target concentration. PBS is another buffer that can be used for these assays. It is a balanced salt solution used for maintaining pH.