Shining a light on fluorescent EV dyes: Evaluating efficacy, specificity and suitability by nano-flow cytometry.

ABSTRACT: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mediators of intercellular communication, recently recognised for their clinical applications. Accurate characterisation and quantification of EVs are critical for understanding of their function and clinical relevance. Many platforms utilise fluorescence for EV characterisation, frequently labelling surface proteins to identify EVs. The heterogeneity of EVs and the lack of a universal protein marker encourages the use of generic EV labelling methods, including membrane labelling. Using nano-flow cytometry, we evaluated six membrane dyes, including MemGlow and CellMask. Evaluation criteria included EV labelling efficacy, non-specific labelling of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs), brightness and dye aggregation. Significant variation was observed in dye

SUBMITTER: Brealey J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11465455 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature