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Updated: Sep 25, 2025
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Rapid Fluorescence-based Characterization of Single Extracellular Vesicles in Human Blood with Nanoparticle-tracking Analysis
Published on: January 7, 2019
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Generation, Characterization, and Count of Fluorescent Extracellular Vesicles
Flavia Ferrantelli1, Valentina Tirelli2, Valeria Barreca1
1National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|April 25, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a method to produce fluorescent extracellular vesicles (EVs), primarily exosomes, using green fluorescent protein (GFP). This technique aids in tracking and quantifying these vesicles for disease research and therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-released particles involved in intercellular communication.
- EVs, including exosomes and microvesicles, carry biomolecules implicated in diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.
- EVs show potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic delivery vehicles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a method for producing fluorescent extracellular vesicles (EVs).
- To enable the tracking and quantification of EVs using fluorescence.
- To facilitate the use of engineered EVs in research and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Production of EVs, specifically exosomes, engineered to express green fluorescent protein (GFP).
- Linking GFP to an exosome-specific anchoring protein (Nefmut).
- Utilizing conventional flow cytometry for counting and tracing fluorescent EVs.
Main Results:
- Successfully produced fluorescent EVs (exosomes) containing GFP.
- Demonstrated the capability to count and trace these engineered EVs.
- Established a method for visualizing and quantifying specific EV populations.
Conclusions:
- The described method provides a reliable way to generate traceable fluorescent EVs.
- This technique enhances the utility of EVs in disease research and therapeutic development.
- Fluorescent EV tracking facilitates understanding of EV roles in pathology and treatment delivery.
