Table 2.

Methods of EV characterization.

Method	Identify projects	Advantages	Disadvantages	References
Nanoparticle tracking analysis	Size and concentration	Assays that do not rely on specific markers; direct quantification	High equipment costs; determination of non-exosomal contaminants	(44, 55, 58)
Dynamic light scattering	Size and concentration	High sensitivity; simple sample preparation	Harsh imaging conditions; low flux	(69, 70)
Western blotting	Expression of specific proteins in EVs	Large analysis capacity; distinguishing EV-specific proteins; high sensitivity	Cannot distinguish between dissociated proteins; long consumption time; requires known antibodies	(51, 52)
Transmission electron microscope	EV morphology	Visualization of EV morphology	Vacuum environment required	(42, 46)
Scanning electron microscope	EV morphology	Visualization of EV morphology	Destroys the specimen	(45)
Flow cytometry	Individual EV size and protein mass spectrometry analysis	Accurate realization of multi-parameter analysis of individual EVs	Long consumption time; requires special equipment	(39, 63, 65)

EV, extracellular vesicle.