salting out

noun

Meaning

A process in chemistry and biochemistry where salts are added to an aqueous solution to decrease the solubility of a solute, such as a protein, causing it to precipitate or 'salt out'.

Examples

  • Salting out is a common method for purifying antibodies.
  • The efficiency of salting out depends on the type and concentration of salt used.

Synonyms: precipitation, flocculation, crystallization