A method of isolating exosomes includes conducting at least one purification step in the presence of an organic zwitterion having a molecular weight of less than about 350 Daltons, a buffering pK of a negatively charged portion of the organic zwitterion is at least one full pH unit below an operating pH at which the at least one purification step is conducted, and a buffering pK of the positively charged portion of the organic zwitterion is at least one full pH unit above the operating pH.