ABSTRACT
Since their introduction in 1966, the so-called ‘Good’s’ hydrogen ion buffers (e.g. Hepes, Pipes, etc.; Good et al. 1966; Good and Izawa, 1972) have been used in many experimental systems. Their popularity is widespread because they appear to fit many of the criteria for ideal biological buffers, including appropriate pKa values, high aqueous solubility, minimal complexation with metal ions, and low membrane permeability (Good et al. 1966; Good and Izawa, 1972). More recently, the fit of Good’s buffers to these criteria has come under closer scrutiny. Under some circumstances, particularly in the in vitro study of metal ion-metallo-protein interactions (Nakon and Krishnamoorthy, 1983) and in studies of free-radical production (Grady et al. 1988), their use may lead to spurious results.
