Three major types of EVs and their characterization

EVs classificationSizeBiogenesisMarkersPhysical methods
Microvesicles100–1,000 nmPlasma membrane buddingIntegrins, selectins, and CD40SEM, TEM, AFM, NTA, TRPS, flow cytometry
Exosomes30–100 nmEndosomal MVBsESCRT proteins, ALIX, TSG101, HSP90, tetraspanins (CD81, CD63, CD9), Rab proteins, flotillinSEM, TEM, Cryo-EM, AFM, DLS, NTA, TRPS, SEA, flow cytometry
Apoptotic bodies500–5,000 nmMembrane-surrounded cell fragmentsAnnexin V, thrombospondin, C3bSEM, TEM, flow cytometry

SEM: scanning electron microscopy; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; AFM: atomic force microscopy; NTA: nanoparticle tracking analysis; TRPS: tunable resistive pulse sensing; Cryo-EM: cyro-electron microscopy; DLS: dynamic light scattering; SEA: single EV analysis; C3b: activated fragment of complement component C3: ALIX: apoptosis-linked gene 2-interacting protein X; TSG101: tumor susceptibility gene 101; HSP90: heat shock protein 90