PIPES can be used in a wide array of biological applications, including as a component in media formulations. Specific applications include buffers for cell culture and diagnostic reagent production.

Guanidine hydrochloride has commonly been used for the isolation of RNA, to denature globular proteins and for protein refolding studies. It can also be used to facilitate the generation of tryptic peptides for analysis of complex protein samples.

Guanidine Thiocyanate has commonly been used for the isolation of RNA, to denature globular proteins and for protein refolding studies. It can also be used to facilitate the generation of tryptic peptides for analysis of complex protein samples.

Urea can be used for the denaturation of proteins and as a mild solubilization agent for insoluble or denatured proteins.