Extracellular Vesicles Reimagined with Multiplex Color Detection in Imaging Flow Cytometry

Posted on May 28, 2021 (Updated on May 26, 2021) byBrian Hall

High Gain mode detects and characterizes extracellular vesicles with exceptional sensitivity

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have caught scientists' attention in recent years. These sub-micron particles are part of a vast cell-to-cell communication network within the body, delivering important biochemical signals from one cell to others.

To accomplish this task, EVs carry specific molecular cargo-RNA, DNA, and proteins -which scientists can use to gain insight into diseases and overall health. For instance, EVs derived from cancer cells are promising markers for distinguishing the type and stage of cancer, and EVs themselves may play a critical role in oncogenic signaling pathways.

For all of their potential, accessing the vital information EVs encapsulate is no easy task. Because EVs are so small-just 20 nm to 500 nm-they have been difficult to detect, isolate, and study with accuracy. Further, identifying the molecular cargo EVs are carrying requires the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes, which is typically performed with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies and dyes targeted to specific components of the EV, as well as the proteins or nucleic acids it may be carrying.

To help solve these challenges, the Amnis® ImageStream®^X Mk II Imaging Flow Cytometer empowers scientists to detect and characterize EVs with exceptional sensitivity. Our newly released High Gain mode for the ImageStreamX enables the accurate detection and enumeration of many types of EVs and viruses.

With High Gain mode, the time delay integration (TDI) CCD camera in the ImageStream^X uses a higher gain setting to increase the signal from small particles. A 400 mW 488 nm laser and increased photonic sensitivity supports the simultaneous measurement of up to 10 fluorophores-providing the opportunity to combine EV detection antibodies with dyes for multiple cargo elements.

By combining sensitivity, powerful detection, and a flexible configuration with up to 10 fluorochromes, the ImageStream^X Mk II Imaging Flow Cytometer enables a broad range of research applications. To learn more about the application of High Gain mode on the ImageStream, take a look at our recent application note.

If you'd like to learn even more about how the ImageStreamX Mk II can help advance discovery in your research, you can download the brochure or visit our website.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Related Content

• Detection of Extracellular Vesicles Using the Amnis ImageStreamX Mk II Imaging Flow Cytometer [White Paper]
• Detection and Quantification of Extracellular Vesicles with Cargo Protein and RNA Using the Amnis CellStream Flow Cytometer [White Paper]
• Luminex Flow Cytometry and Imaging [Webpage]
• Flow Cytometry Applications for COVID-19 Research [Flyer]

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