Application of nano-flow cytometry for the detection of extracellular vesicles and lipid nanoparticles

doi:10.5246/jcps.2025.10.070

Abstract

Abstract:

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as powerful therapeutic platforms, each offering distinct advantages. LNPs, composed of four essential lipid components, enable efficient delivery of drugs and genetic materials, underpinning FDA-approved therapies such as Onpattro and the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. EVs, naturally secreted by cells, transport bioactive molecules with remarkable delivery efficiency and reduced off-target effects, as exemplified by the EV-based Bexsero vaccine. Given their small size and intrinsic heterogeneity, precise characterization is critical. Compared to conventional techniques like nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), flow cytometry (FCM) offers a more comprehensive analytical profile for both LNPs and EVs. In the present study, we leveraged a nano-FCM to advance detection strategies for nanoscale therapeutics. A detailed workflow is presented to ensure analytical precision and reproducibility.

Key words: Lipid nanoparticles, Extracellular vesicles, Nano-flow cytometer

Supporting:

Yufang Sun, Yingli Xu, Hualong Yu, Shuxiang Song. Application of nano-flow cytometry for the detection of extracellular vesicles and lipid nanoparticles[J]. Journal of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2025, 34(10): 943-953.

Figures/Tables 6

References 35

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