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Measurement of Particle Size Distribution in Turbid Solutions by Dynamic Light Scattering Microscopy
Published on: January 9, 2017
Comparison of the size of membrane microparticles of different cellular origin by dynamic light scattering
I B Alchinova1, S G Khaspekova2, N V Golubeva2
1Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
Size of membrane microparticles (MPs) from blood plasma and MPs produced in vitro by activated endothelial cells (ECs), monocytes, THP-1 monocytic cells, granulocytes, and platelets was evaluated by dynamic light scattering. MPs were sedimented from the culture media, cell supernatants, and plasma at 20 000 g for 30 min. Average diameters of all types of MPs ranged from 300 to 600 nm. Plasma MPs had the smallest size. Close sizes were registered for MPs from platelets and THP-1 cells. MPs from monocytes were larger, and MPs from granulocytes and ECs were the largest ones. The data obtained indicate that the size of membrane MPs depends on the type of their cell-producers.
Insights
The size of membrane microparticles (MPs) varies depending on their cell origin. Blood plasma MPs were smallest, while those from granulocytes and endothelial cells (ECs) were largest, indicating cell type influences MP size.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Membrane microparticles (MPs) are released from various cell types.
- Understanding MP size is crucial for their biological roles and diagnostic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the size distribution of MPs from different blood and cell sources.
- To investigate if the cell type of origin influences MP size.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic light scattering was used to measure MP size.
- MPs were isolated from blood plasma and in vitro cell cultures (endothelial cells, monocytes, THP-1 cells, granulocytes, platelets).
- Sedimentation at 20,000 g for 30 minutes was employed for MP isolation.
Main Results:
- Average MP diameters ranged from 300 to 600 nm.
- Plasma-derived MPs were the smallest.
- Platelet and THP-1 cell MPs showed similar sizes; monocyte MPs were larger.
- Granulocyte and endothelial cell MPs were the largest.
Conclusions:
- The size of membrane microparticles is significantly influenced by their cell of origin.
- Distinct cell types produce MPs with characteristic size ranges.

