| differential centrifugation |
size-based separation under sequential alternative low and
high centrifugation speeds |
low cost, simple operation,
suitable for large sample volumes |
potential damage to
exosomes, time-consuming, low yield, specific
equipment required |
| precipitation |
size- and density-based separation by adding polymer that alters
exosome density in solution |
high capacity, simple operation |
low purity, cleanup steps required, time-consuming, presence
of contaminants |
| ultrafiltration |
size-based separation by trapping exosomes in nanoscale membranes |
simple operation, capable of operating with a small volume
of sample, fast procedure |
membrane clogging, possible
damage to exosomes caused by stress,
moderate purity |
| immunoaffinity |
use of antibodies to capture exosomes |
high purity and
selectivity, isolation of specific exosome
subpopulations |
nonspecific binding, low processing volume
and yield, exosomes
are attached to beads requiring elution steps |
