Phosphate buffered saline

Phosphate buffered saline (abbreviated PBS) is a buffer solution commonly used in biochemistry. It is a salty solution containing sodium chloride, sodium phosphate and potassium phosphate. The buffer helps to maintain a constant pH. The concentration usually matches the human body (isotonic).

PBS has many uses because it is isotonic and non-toxic to cells. It can be used to dilute substances. It is used as a cellular cleaning solution. In addition, PBS is also used to disengage attached and clumped cells.