Sodium Lactate Aqueous Solution (4%): Uses, Handling & FAQs

Sodium Lactate Aqueous Solution (4%) is a ready-to-use, precisely concentrated reagent-grade solution of sodium lactate in water, widely employed in biochemical research, cell culture, physiological buffer preparation, and metabolic studies.

Product Name

Sodium Lactate Aqueous Solution (4%)

SKU

S1529428

Concentration

4% (w/v) in water

Chemical Formula

C₃H₅NaO₃ (sodium lactate)

CAS Number (Sodium Lactate)

72-17-3

Physical Form

Clear, colorless to slightly yellow aqueous solution

Recommended Storage

Store at 2–8 °C, away from light and heat

What Is Sodium Lactate Aqueous Solution (4%)?

Sodium lactate (CAS 72-17-3) is the sodium salt of lactic acid, with the molecular formula C₃H₅NaO₃ and a molecular weight of approximately 112.06 g/mol. It is a naturally occurring organic compound produced endogenously through anaerobic glycolysis in mammalian cells.

Aladdin Scientific's Sodium Lactate Aqueous Solution (4%) (SKU: S1529428) is a precisely prepared, ready-to-use reagent-grade solution containing 4% (w/v) sodium lactate dissolved in purified water. The solution is clear and colorless to slightly yellow in appearance, with a mildly alkaline to near-neutral pH. This pre-made format eliminates the need for weighing hygroscopic sodium lactate powder and reduces preparation error in sensitive experiments.

Key Applications in Research

Sodium lactate is a versatile reagent with broad utility across multiple research disciplines:

• Cell Culture & Physiology: Used to supplement culture media to study lactate metabolism, the Warburg effect, and oxidative phosphorylation in cancer and normal cell lines.
• Buffer Preparation: Sodium lactate serves as a buffering agent in physiological saline formulations and Ringer's lactate-type solutions for ex vivo tissue and organ perfusion experiments.
• Metabolic Research: Researchers use sodium lactate solutions to investigate gluconeogenesis, lactate shuttling, and mitochondrial function in hepatic and muscle tissues.
• Cryoprotection Studies: Lactate-based solutions have been investigated for their role in osmotic balance during cryopreservation protocols.
• Dermatology & Skin Biology: Lactate is a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) component; sodium lactate solutions are used in skin barrier research and cosmetic formulation studies.

Storage, Stability, and Handling

Storage Conditions: Store Sodium Lactate Aqueous Solution (4%) at 2–8 °C in a tightly sealed container, protected from light and heat sources. Do not freeze the solution, as this may cause concentration changes upon thawing.

Stability: When stored correctly, the solution is stable for the duration indicated on the product label. Once opened, ensure the container is recapped promptly to prevent evaporation and potential microbial contamination. Filter-sterilization (0.22 µm) is recommended before use in cell culture applications.

Handling Precautions: Sodium lactate is considered a low-hazard material; however, standard laboratory PPE (gloves, lab coat, safety goggles) should be worn when handling the solution. Avoid ingestion and contact with eyes. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Aladdin Scientific for complete hazard and first-aid information.

Disposal: Dispose of waste solution in accordance with local institutional and governmental regulations for aqueous organic waste streams.

Preparation and Dilution Guidelines

The 4% (w/v) ready-to-use format is suitable for many standard protocols. If your assay requires a different concentration, dilute using sterile, nuclease-free, or ultrapure water as appropriate for the application:

• To prepare 1% sodium lactate: Dilute 1 part of the 4% solution with 3 parts appropriate solvent (e.g., PBS or cell culture medium).
• To prepare 2% sodium lactate: Dilute 1 part of the 4% solution with 1 part solvent.

For physiological experiments, confirm osmolality of the final solution using an osmometer, especially when adding sodium lactate to complex media. Note that sodium lactate contributes to the ionic strength and osmotic pressure of solutions, which may need to be accounted for in sensitive assays.

Always perform aseptic technique and use pre-sterilized equipment when preparing solutions for cell-based or in vivo studies.

Ordering, Quality, and Compliance

SKU: S1529428 — Sodium Lactate Aqueous Solution (4%) is available exclusively through Aladdin Scientific's catalog.

Quality Assurance: Each lot of Sodium Lactate Aqueous Solution (4%) undergoes quality control testing to verify concentration, purity, and pH prior to release. Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documents are available upon request or through the Aladdin Scientific product page.

Regulatory & Compliance: This product is intended for research use only (RUO) and is not approved for diagnostic, therapeutic, or food-grade applications. Researchers should review the SDS and CoA before use to ensure suitability for their specific application.

How to Order: Place orders directly through the Aladdin Scientific website, by email, or through authorized distributors. For bulk quantity inquiries or custom concentrations, contact the Aladdin Scientific sales team for a quotation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the concentration of Aladdin Scientific's Sodium Lactate Aqueous Solution and how is it expressed?

The product is formulated at 4% (w/v), meaning 4 grams of sodium lactate are dissolved per 100 mL of purified water. This ready-to-use concentration is suitable for many standard biochemical and cell-based protocols without further adjustment.

How should I store Sodium Lactate Aqueous Solution (4%) to ensure maximum shelf life?

Store the solution at 2–8 °C in its original tightly sealed container, away from direct light and heat. Do not freeze the product. Once opened, recap promptly to prevent evaporation and microbial contamination. Refer to the product label and CoA for the specific expiry date of your lot.

Can Sodium Lactate Aqueous Solution (4%) be used directly in mammalian cell culture?

Yes, but filter sterilization through a 0.22 µm membrane is strongly recommended before adding it to cell culture media to ensure sterility. Additionally, account for the volume and osmotic contribution of the added solution to your final culture medium to maintain physiological conditions for your cells.

What is the CAS number for sodium lactate, and what is its molecular weight?

Sodium lactate has the CAS number 72-17-3 and a molecular weight of approximately 112.06 g/mol, with the molecular formula C₃H₅NaO₃. These values apply to the pure sodium lactate solute present in the 4% aqueous solution.

Is Sodium Lactate Aqueous Solution (4%) approved for diagnostic or therapeutic use?

No. This product is designated for research use only (RUO) and must not be used in clinical diagnostic, therapeutic, or food-grade applications. Researchers are responsible for ensuring the product is used within its intended scope and in compliance with applicable institutional and regulatory requirements.

How do I calculate how much of the 4% solution to use if my protocol requires a different concentration?

Use the dilution equation C₁V₁ = C₂V₂, where C₁ is 4% (starting concentration), V₁ is the volume of stock solution needed, C₂ is the desired final concentration, and V₂ is the total final volume. For example, to prepare 10 mL of a 1% solution, you would use 2.5 mL of the 4% stock and dilute to 10 mL with appropriate solvent.

References

1. Berg JM, Tymoczko JL, Stryer L. Biochemistry. 8th ed. W.H. Freeman; 2015. Chapter on glycolysis and gluconeogenesis (sodium lactate and lactate metabolism context).
2. Brooks GA. The science and translation of lactate shuttle theory. Cell Metab. 2018;27(4):757-785. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2018.03.008
3. Warburg O. On the origin of cancer cells. Science. 1956;123(3191):309-314. doi:10.1126/science.123.3191.309
4. Rawlings AV, Matts PJ. Stratum corneum moisturization at the molecular level: an update in relation to the dry skin cycle. J Invest Dermatol. 2005;124(6):1099-1110. doi:10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23726.x

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.