Tracking tools of extracellular vesicles for biomedical research

Imaging of extracellular vesicles (EVs) will facilitate a better understanding of their biological functions and their potential as therapeutics and drug delivery vehicles. In order to clarify EV-mediated cellular communication in vitro and to track the bio-distribution of EV in vivo, various strategies have been developed to label and image EVs. In this review, we summarized recent advances in the tracking of EVs, demonstrating the methods for labeling and imaging of EVs, in which the labeling methods include direct and indirect labeling and the imaging modalities include fluorescent imaging, bioluminescent imaging, nuclear imaging, and nanoparticle-assisted imaging. These techniques help us better understand the mechanism of uptake, the bio-distribution, and the function of EVs. More importantly, we can evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties of EVs, which will help promote their further clinical application.

Automated summary

Imaging of extracellular vesicles (EVs) plays a crucial role in understanding their biological functions and potential as therapeutics and drug delivery vehicles. Various labeling and imaging methods, such as fluorescent imaging, bioluminescent imaging, nuclear imaging, and nanoparticle-assisted imaging, have been developed to track the communication and bio-distribution of EVs. These techniques contribute to a better understanding of EV uptake mechanisms, biological functions, and pharmacokinetic properties, which are essential for their clinical application.