Methods to Analyze EVs

Methods Mol Biol. 2017:1545:1-20. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6728-5_1.

Abstract

Research in the field of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is challenged by the small size of the nano-sized particles. Apart from the use of transmission and scanning electron microscopy, established technical platforms to visualize, quantify, and characterize nano-sized EVs were lacking. Recently, methodologies to characterize nano-sized EVs have been developed. This chapter aims to summarize physical principles of novel and conventional technologies to be used in the EV field and to discuss advantages and limitations.

Keywords: Dynamic light scattering; Electron microscopy; Extracellular vesicles; Flow cytometry; Nanoparticle tracking analysis; Resistive pulse sensing.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Biomarkers
  • Cell-Derived Microparticles / chemistry
  • Cell-Derived Microparticles / metabolism
  • Cell-Derived Microparticles / ultrastructure
  • Dynamic Light Scattering
  • Extracellular Vesicles / chemistry
  • Extracellular Vesicles / metabolism*
  • Extracellular Vesicles / ultrastructure*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Particle Size

Substances

  • Biomarkers