lysate

A lysate is a heterogeneous mixture containing the contents of cells or tissues that have been disrupted to release intracellular components. It is produced by breaking open cells and is used as a source of proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, and other biomolecules for analysis, purification, or in vitro reactions. Lysates can be derived from various organisms, including mammalian cells, bacteria, yeast, and plants, and are often prepared as cell lysates or tissue lysates.

Common methods for lysate preparation include chemical lysis with detergents or chaotropic agents, enzymatic lysis such as lysozyme for bacterial cells, and physical disruption methods like sonication, French press, homogenization, or grinding. Buffers used during lysis typically contain protease and nuclease inhibitors to preserve biomolecules and are kept on ice or at cold temperatures to minimize degradation. Post-lysis clarification by centrifugation yields a soluble lysate, while some protocols retain membrane fragments and organelles as part of the lysate.

Lysates differ from purified extracts in that they are complex mixtures containing a wide range of cellular components, including soluble proteins, ribosomes, nucleic acids, metabolites, and membrane fragments. They may also contain contaminants such as proteases or endotoxins, depending on the source and preparation method, which can affect downstream applications.

Applications of lysates include protein extraction and analysis, nucleic acid purification, enzyme assays, cell-free protein synthesis using lysate-based systems, immunological studies with tumor or pathogen lysates, and diagnostic or research workflows where whole-cell contents are needed. Proper handling, storage, and documentation of lysates are important to maintain stability and reproducibility.