Methods for the physical characterization and quantification of extracellular vesicles in biological samples.

摘要: BACKGROUND: Our body fluids contain a multitude of cell-derived vesicles, secreted by most cell types, commonly referred to as extracellular vesicles. They have attracted considerable attention for their function intercellular communication vehicles in broad range physiological processes and pathological conditions. Extracellular vesicles especially the smallest type, exosomes, also generated lot excitement view potential disease biomarkers or carriers drug delivery. In this context, state-of-the-art techniques capable comprehensively characterizing biological are urgently needed. SCOPE OF REVIEW: This review presents arsenal available quantification characterization physical properties summarizes working principles, discusses advantages limitations further illustrates implementation vesicle research. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: The small size physicochemical heterogeneity make an extremely challenging task. Currently, structure, size, buoyant density, optical zeta been studied. The concentration suspension can be expressed terms biomolecular particle content depending on method at hand. addition, common methods may either provide direct quantitative measurement solely allow relative comparison between samples. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The combination complementary detecting, quantifying single level promises new exciting insights into modes action reveal existence subpopulations fulfilling key tasks.