reverse dialysis

a technique for the concentration of macromolecules in solution. The (dilute) solution is placed in a bag made of a semipermeable material, through which the macromolecules cannot pass but water and other small molecules can. The bag is placed in a bed of dry water-soluble polymer (which cannot enter the membrane) such as polyethylene glycol. Water, together with other small molecules, is then drawn out of the bag into the external phase until equilibrium is reached, thereby concentrating the solution of macromolecules in the bag. Compare dialysis.

Previous:	reverse cholesterol transport, reversal, retrovirus
Next:	reverse genetics, reverse gyrase, reverse mutation