Standardized Protocol for Magnetic Bead-Based Enrichment and Separation of Extracellular Vesicles
摘要
This chapter covers magnetic bead-based enrichment, separation, and analysis of the smallest members of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Exosomes (30–150 nm) are produced through fusion of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) with the plasma membrane, thereby releasing their internal vesicles into the extracellular environment. Due to their small size, researchers need expensive and high-maintenance ultracentrifuges to enrich exosomes. This often leads to loss of material and the risk of co-isolation of impurities. Here we utilize the negative surface charge and surface antigen expression to enrich and separate exosomes either by using one of two different preparation protocols or by combining them. Descriptions of how to enrich and analyze exosomes from biologically relevant and complex starting materials are included.