TBE (Tris/Borate/EDTA) Buffer is commonly used in nucleic acid electrophoresis. This solution is effective under slightly basic conditions, which keeps DNA deprotonated, water-soluble, and protected from degradation. This concentrate can be easily diluted to 1X or 0,5X before use (with molecular biology grade water).

TBE running buffer is the most commonly used buffer for DNA and RNA polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. TBE is used with non-denaturing or denaturing (7 M urea) gels. It is also routinely used for DNA automated sequencing gel. TBE can also be used for agarose gels but is not recommended for preparative gels for recovery of nucleic acids.

Dilution of the TBE stock concentrates to a 1X TBE running buffer results in a buffer containing 89 mM Tris-borate and 2 mM EDTA, pH 8,3. The 5X or 10X stocks may also be added to an acrylamide/bis-acrylamide stock solution for making the PAGE gel. Applied voltages of less than 5 V/cm (distance between the electrodes of the unit) are recommended for maximum resolution.