Single-cell extracellular vesicle analysis by microfluidics and beyond

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane vesicles encapsulated by lipid membranes present in most body fluids. These EVs contain abundant biomolecular composition, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, metabolites, etc., and thus play an important role in intercellular communication. However, EVs are highly heterogeneous in terms of physical properties and biomolecular composition. Therefore, it is crucially important to study EV on single cell and single particle level for precise analysis and functional evaluation. Microfluidic platforms provide the possibility for single-cell EV analysis by integrating cell manipulation, EV enrichment, sensitive nucleic acid and protein detection together. In this review, we have summarized current status in single-cell EV and single EV particle study by microfluidic platform with advanced detection tools. The importance of single-cell EV on heterogeneity and future develop-ment are also discussed and prospected. (c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane vesicles enclosed by lipid membranes found in various body fluids, and they play a significant role in intercellular communication due to their diverse biomolecular composition. However, EVs exhibit high heterogeneity in terms of physical properties and biomolecular composition, necessitating the study of single-cell and single-particle EV analysis for precise analysis and functional evaluation. Microfluidic platforms integrated with cell manipulation, EV enrichment, and sensitive nucleic acid and protein detection offer the possibility of studying single-cell EVs. This review summarizes the current status of single-cell EV and single EV particle studies using microfluidic platforms and advanced detection tools, while also discussing the importance of single-cell EV heterogeneity and future developments.