The Problem with Ultracentrifugation for Exosome Isolation

The Problem with Ultracentrifugation for Exosome Isolation

Ultracentrifugation is regarded as the gold standard method for exosome isolation.  The ultracentrifugation process is time consuming and may introduce protein and nucleic acid contamination.  Pre-clearing samples by one or more low speed centrifugation steps will deplete the cells, platelets, and large apoptotic bodies. Larger extracellular vesicles can be pelleted at forces between 10000-20000 x g.  Smaller extracellular vesicles can be pelleted at higher speeds, ranging from 100000-200000 x g. Depending on the protocol, it can take up to 24 hours to isolate exosomes by ultracentrifugation.  It is impossible to achieve absolute separation due to potential contamination of proteins and nucleic acids.

ExoCap™ Streptavidin Kit – Faster, Easier and Customizable

The ExoCap™ Streptavidin kit protocol is very easy and simple to follow.  Researchers can isolate and enrich for exosomes of interest by coupling biotinylated molecules to the magnetic Streptavidin beads.  There is no need for pre-treatment of samples because there is a direct incubation of sample with the Streptavidin magnetic beads.  The magnetic Streptavidin beads coupled with biotinylated antibodies will selectively capture exosomes of interest.  During the wash step the captured exosomes on the magnetic bead are retained, while any contaminants are removed, resulting in high purity exosomes that can be used for downstream analyses in as little as 4 hours.

View Product

View Brochure – ExoCap™ Streptavidin Kit:

View Brochure

View Brochure – Monoclonal Antibodies to Common Exosomal Markers:

View Brochure

Exocap protocol for exosome isolation
Figure 2. ExoCap™ Streptavidin Kit Protocol

ExoCap™ Streptavidin Kit vs Ultracentrifugation

The ExoCap™ Streptavidin Kit offers multiple advantages over Ultracentrifugation, as detailed in table 1:

exocap vs ultracentrifugation comparison table
Table 1. Streptavidin Kit and Ultracentrifugation Comparison

Originally posted by MBL International. MBL International products are exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Caltag Medsystems Ltd. If you have any questions about the Exocap range, please contact techsupport@caltagmedsystems.co.uk or call +44 (0)1280 827460

Related Blog: Why pure exosome isolation matters

The Problem with Ultracentrifugation for Exosome Isolation
Tagged on:                 

Contact us