Standard Saline Citrate Solution (3X – SSC )

Standard Saline Citrate Solution (3× SSC) is a buffered saline solution commonly used in molecular biology to provide an intermediate ionic strength environment for nucleic acid hybridization and washing procedures.

🏭⚗️ Production
This solution is prepared by dissolving 43.8 grams of sodium chloride (NaCl) and 22.05 grams of trisodium citrate dihydrate (C₆H₅Na₃O₇·2H₂O) in one liter of distilled water. The pH is adjusted to 7.0 using hydrochloric acid to ensure optimal buffering. After preparation, the solution is sterilized by filtration and stored at room temperature.

🔬 Properties
The 3× SSC solution is clear and colorless with moderate ionic strength and buffering capacity. It maintains a neutral pH and supports the hybridization of complementary nucleic acid strands by stabilizing hydrogen bonds during molecular biology procedures.

🧪 Applications
Widely used in Southern blotting, Northern blotting, in situ hybridization, and microarray washing. It is applied during hybridization and post-hybridization washing steps to control stringency and maintain nucleic acid binding.

⚠️ Safety
Handle using standard laboratory safety measures, including gloves and eye protection. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. Use in a well-ventilated area and dispose of waste according to institutional guidelines.