Force spectroscopy reveals membrane fluctuations and surface adhesion of extracellular nanovesicles impact their elastic behavior.

ABSTRACT: The elastic properties of nanoscale extracellular vesicles (EVs) are believed to influence their cellular interactions, thus having a profound implication in intercellular communication. However, accurate quantification of their elastic modulus is challenging due to their nanoscale dimensions and their fluid-like lipid bilayer. We show that the previous attempts to develop atomic force microscopy-based protocol are flawed as they lack theoretical underpinning as well as ignore important contributions arising from the surface adhesion forces and membrane fluctuations. We develop a protocol comprising a theoretical framework, experimental technique, and statistical approach to accurately quantify the bending and elastic modulus of EVs. The method reveals that membrane fluctuations play a dom

SUBMITTER: Stridfeldt F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12037009 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature