Citrate buffer washing to "inactivate" virus on the surface of the cell is a commonly used technique, but I wanted to know if anybody knows any further details on how this works. I've heard the technique referred to as citrate buffer 'stripping' which implies that virus is removed from the cell surface, but I've also read that it 'inactivates' virus that has not penetrated the cell. Anyone know any clear information on what exactly citrate buffer does to virus on the cell surface? Thanks!