Exosomes Labeling and Tracking
Online InquiryExosomes, as naturally secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs), possess inherent high stability, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and targeted delivery, and play an important role in intercellular communication during pathological processes, and therefore have attracted much attention in the field of nanomedicine in recent years. These vesicles can be used as imaging biomarkers, therapeutic agents, and drug-delivery vehicles for disease diagnosis and treatment. To further advance the investigation and application of exosomes, accurate knowledge of their specific metabolic pathways in vitro and in vivo is required. Creative Proteomics is a leading provider of exosome research and analysis services with years of experience and state-of-the-art technology platforms. We have established exosome labeling and tracking platform that can effectively facilitate our customers' understanding of exosome behavior.
Exosome imaging techniques
Exosomes have attracted extensive scientific and clinical research interest due to their important functions in physiological and pathological conditions. Exosomes can transport a range of bioactive substances such as mRNA, miRNA and proteins to recipient cells and analysis of the molecular profiles of circulating exosomes may reveal potential biomarkers for noninvasive diagnosis and prognosis of the diseases. Furthermore, the unique set of advantages of exosomes promotes the potential of exosomes as drug-delivery vehicles for regenerative medicine, various cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Research and clinical translation of exosome-based approaches require a better understanding of their behavior. Exosome labeling and tracking strategies have been applied to study the function of exosomes in pathophysiological settings, typically using fluorescence microscopy followed by bioluminescence imaging (BLI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Each of these imaging techniques has its own reporters, advantages, disadvantages, and specific application areas, which are summarized below.
| Exosomes imaging techniques | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visualizing methods | Reporters | Advantages | Disadvantages | Applications |
| Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) | Gaussia-luciferase (Gluc) | Excellent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), High sensitivity, no need for excitation source | A Labor-intensive procedure Transient signal unable to track in the long term Mainly to small animals | In vivo and ex vivo |
| Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) | SPIONs, USPIO | Deep penetration, high-quality 3D imaging of tissues with anatomical details | Limited labeling efficiency | In vivo |
| Computed tomography (CT) | 99mTc-HMPAO GNPs | High spatial and temporal resolution | Labeling purified exosomes | In vivo |
| Fluorescence labeling | Organic dyes | Strong and long lasting fluorescence signal, multiple colors Excellent spatial resolution | Staining other lipid entities and providing false positive signal | In vitro |
| Genetically encoded fluorescent proteins | Multidirectional exosomes transport among cells | The signal depends on the oxygenation level in the tissuse Limited labeling efficiency | In vitro and in vivo | |
| Immunofluorescent reporters | High specificity | High cost | In vitro | |
| Fluorescent nanomaterials | Excellent optical properties, functionalization with targeting moiety | Tedious synthesis process | In vitro | |
Exosomes labeling and tracking at Creative Proteomics
Creative Proteomics has been working with exosome research and analysis for years. Our exosome labeling and tracking services are mainly based on fluorescence labeling and fluorescence microscopes (conventional confocal fluorescence microscopes, high-resolution fluorescence microscopes), electron microscopes (SEM and TEM), and flow cytometers. Our services are designed for in vitro visual analysis (isolated exosome samples) and can also help with in vivo validation of exosome tracing. We are committed to providing our customers with valuable information on the specific metabolic pathways of exosomes in vitro and in vivo, such as their release from parental cells, uptake by recipient cells, tissue distribution and body fluid levels.
Workflow of our services
Exosome extraction and purification
Exosome concentration determination
Exosome fluorescent labeling
Fluorescence exosome purification
Fluorescent exosome concentration labeling
Imaging observation
Detection cycle
15-20 working days after receiving the sample
Delivery
Stained exosomes, basic experimental steps, pictures, and electronic archive report
Reference
- Shen, Li-Ming, Linglai Quan, and Jing Liu. "Tracking exosomes in vitro and in vivo to elucidate their physiological functions: implications for diagnostic and therapeutic nanocarriers." ACS Applied Nano Materials 1.6 (2018): 2438-2448.
* For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
