Biochemical separation processes precipitation

On-chip cell lysis is a crucial component of integrated micro total analysis systems (pTAS). In order to perform biochemical analysis of intercellular molecules (i. e. proteins, lipids and nucleic acids), the cells at first have to be disrupted releasing the biomolecules from inside the cell. The molecules of interest can then be separated or purified from the cell lysate using affinity purification, charge-and size-based separation, filtration, precipitation etc. The process of on-chip cell lysis followed by extraction of the desired biomolecules is collectively referred to as on-chip sample preparation. 

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