Table 2.
Main advantages and disadvantages of the currently available methods for GELNs extraction.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Differential centrifugation | Reduced cost and contamination risks; Large sample capacity | High equipment required, time consuming, damage the integrity ELNs | (50, 51, 63, 64) |
| Sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation | Pure preparations; absence of additional chemicals | Complexity, loss of sample; Virus particles cannot be distinguished | (65, 66) |
| Membrane filtration | High purity; Easy to operate | Membrane contamination, products loss due to attaching to the membranes | (65, 67) |
| PEG-based precipitation | Easy to operate; maintains EV integrity; no additional equipment required | Contamination and retention of the polymer | (41, 45, 67) |
| Commercial kits | Easy to operate | Cost; Low purity; Unknown separation mechanism | (22) |