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Integrated Workflow for the Quantification of Urinary Exosomes Isolated via C-CP Fiber Tips with Lanthanide Chelation
Cameron J Stouffer1, Carolina Mata1, Hannah McGrath1
1Department of Chemistry, Biosystems Research Complex, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634-0973, United States.
Analytical Chemistry
|November 6, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a new method for quantifying exosomes using polymer fiber spin-down tips and ytterbium labeling. This approach offers rapid, cost-effective isolation and sensitive detection for clinical diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Exosomes, extracellular vesicles (EVs) of 30-150 nm, are crucial in intercellular communication and disease.
- Accurate exosome quantification is challenging due to isolation difficulties and maintaining morphological integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, rapid, and cost-effective method for exosome quantification.
- To enable sensitive and accurate measurement of exosome particle counts for clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized capillary channeled polymer (C-CP) fiber spin-down tips for exosome isolation.
- Employed ytterbium chloride (YbCl3) for labeling exosomes via chelation with phospholipid bilayer phosphate groups.
- Quantified labeled exosomes using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Main Results:
- Achieved rapid and cost-effective exosome isolation preserving morphological integrity using PET C-CP fiber tips.
- Established a linear correlation (R² > 0.95) between Yb ICP-MS signal and exosome particle counts.
- Demonstrated a low detection limit of 1.16 × 10^2 exosomes mL⁻¹.
Conclusions:
- The integrated workflow provides a sensitive and reliable method for exosome quantification.
- This technique has potential for combination with biomarker labeling for comprehensive diagnostic tools.
