Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) is a common isotonic buffer solution used in biological research. It contains inorganic salts (e.g., NaCl, KCl) and phosphate buffers, which maintain physiological pH (typically ~7.4) and osmotic balance, supporting cell viability and enzymatic activity. PBS is typically sterilized via autoclaving (high-temperature steam sterilization) to ensure aseptic conditions for cell culture and other sensitive applications.