EXCEL - EXtracellular particle Characterization and Enrichment Lab

Overview of Services

The JHU EV & Nanoparticle Core Facility provides researchers with a full spectrum of services related to studies of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and other nanoparticles. EVs are increasingly studied not only in basic cell biology, but also as platforms for biomarkers and therapeutics. In the core, experimental design consultation will be available to ensure compliance with the international consensus standards in EV studies, the Minimal Information for Studies of EVs (MISEV), including in the area of sample collection and pre-processing. Several EV separation techniques are offered that can be done separately or in sequence: size exclusion chromatography (SEC) by Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) or gravity (Izon pre-packed columns with automated fraction collectors); tangential flow filtration (TFF); differential ultracentrifugation (dUC); density gradient ultracentrifugation (dgUC); and affinity separations.

The core offers a comprehensive range of EV characterization approaches using state-of-the-art technologies: resistive pulse sensing (RPS, Spectradyne), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA; NanoSight, ZetaView), nano-flow cytometry (NanoFCM), interferometric imaging plus immunophenotyping (SP-IRIS, ExoView/Leprechaun), and multiplexed ultrasensitive ELISA (Meso Scale Discoveries), and super-resolution microscopy (ONI). Importantly, several of these methods are suitable for cutting-edge single-particle phenotyping. More standard characterization methods such as Western blotting, ELISA, and protein/lipid/nucleic acid measurements will also be offered. Comprehensive molecular profiling (advice and/or services in combination with existing JH cores) will be available for proteins and RNA. Consultation services will also be available for how to investigate EVs after separation and characterization.

Leadership

Kenneth Witwer, PhD, Director

Olesia Gololobova, PhD, MEng, Manager

Location and hours of operation

Contacts

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