Lipid Extraction Kit (Chloroform Free) (ab211044)

The term lipids describe a group of naturally occurring molecules that includes monoglycerides, diglycerides, trigylcerides, phospholipids, fat-soluble vitamins, fats and sterols. Lipids define and preserve cellular membrane integrity and play an important role in cellular processes such as membrane trafficking, signal transduction and energy storage. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism is linked to many diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Traditional lipid extraction is performed using the Folch method, in which lipids are extracted into an organic phase. Isolating lipids from this organic phase is tricky and can result in contamination with material from other phases. These contaminants may have a negative impact on downstream lipid analysis. Furthermore, the Folch method uses chloroform, which is toxic, as the organic phase solvent.