Biological buffers are useful for cell culture in vitro, enzyme assays some electrophoretic applications at physiological pH. Universally applicable buffers for biochemistry must be water soluble, not interfere with biological processes biological membranes (penetration, solubilization, adsorption on surface, etc.), have known complex-forming tendency with metal ions, be non-toxic have a very low U.V. absorption at wavelength >260 nm.