A label-free and low-power microelectronic impedance spectroscopy for characterization of exosomes

PLoS One. 2022 Jul 8;17(7):e0270844. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270844. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a non-invasive and label-free technology that can characterize and discriminate cells based on their dielectric properties at a wide range of frequency. This characterization method has not been utilized for small extracellular vesicles (exosomes) with heterogenous and nano-scale size distribution. Here, we developed a novel label-free microelectronic impedance spectroscopy for non-invasive and rapid characterization of exosomes based on their unique dielectric properties. The device is comprised of an insulator-based dielectrophoretic (iDEP) module for exosomes isolation followed by an impedance spectroscopy utilizing the embedded micro-electrodes. This device is capable of distinguishing between exosomes harvested from different cellular origins as the result of their unique membrane and cytosolic compositions at a wide range of frequency. Therefore, it has the potential to be further evolved as a rapid tool for characterization of pathogenic exosomes in clinical settings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Dielectric Spectroscopy / methods
  • Electric Impedance
  • Electrodes
  • Exosomes* / chemistry
  • Extracellular Vesicles*
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques*

Grants and funding

Leyla Esfandiari (L.E) received these funds from Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems, National Science Foundation (https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nsf.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cesfandla%40ucmail.uc.edu%7Cd5e4f7ea4cb448d5443308da54632de5%7Cf5222e6c5fc648eb8f0373db18203b63%7C1%7C0%7C637915082637396102%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8mk1eCT14wfgoOUOiFO4%2FStOqFjkoIdCzaVne372zCs%3D&reserved=0): NSF EAGER ECCS (2020112), and NSF CAREER ECCS (2046037). The National Science Foundation provided support in the form of salaries of the authors (L.S. and L.E) and the expenses of materials and equipment. The funder had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.