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Updated: May 7, 2026
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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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Extracellular vesicle analysis
An Hendrix1,2, Lien Lippens1,2,3, Cláudio Pinheiro1,2,3
1Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Nature Reviews. Methods Primers
|March 11, 2026
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key for cell communication and hold diagnostic/therapeutic potential. This primer guides EV analysis, method selection, and interpretation across diverse biological sources.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cells communicate via extracellular vesicles (EVs), phospholipid-bound particles with roles in health and disease.
- EVs show promise for diagnostics and therapeutics, driving technological advancements in their study.
- The variety of EV isolation and characterization methods presents challenges for researchers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide guidance for extracellular vesicle (EV) analysis across various biological sources.
- To assist researchers in selecting appropriate methods for EV preparation and characterization.
- To highlight considerations for interpreting EV experimental data and address field limitations.
Main Methods:
- Summarizes multi-step EV preparation processes.
- Covers principles for performing and interpreting EV experiments.
- Discusses analysis across diverse ecosystems, including body and environment sources.
Main Results:
- Offers a comprehensive overview of EV analysis techniques.
- Provides insights into method selection based on experimental needs.
- Addresses challenges in EV research, including heterogeneity and environmental factors.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular vesicle (EV) research is rapidly advancing, requiring careful method selection and interpretation.
- Standardized approaches and clear guidelines are crucial for advancing EV applications in diagnostics and therapeutics.
- This primer serves as a resource for navigating the complexities of EV analysis and research.
