Isolation, characterisation and detection of breath-derived extracellular vesicles

The physical characterisation, capture and detection of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and exosomes derived from breath condensate is reported. Breath-derived EVs were isolated from breath condensate and captured on a gold substrate using two complimentary methods. The characterised and isolated EVs were detected using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). EIS was done using aptamers as a targeting moiety and showed a larger change in resistance between dilute concentrations of EVs (less than 7 μg/mL).This is the first report of EVs and exosomes isolated and characterised from breath. In addition, EVs from a non-invasive and easily available source such as breath opens up further avenues in the detection of pulmonary diseases.