Topic: Single-Particle Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles: Advances in Nano-Flow Cytometry and Its Biomedical Applications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound nanoparticles released by nearly all cell types under physiological and pathological conditions. By transporting proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and other bioactive molecules, EVs play a pivotal role in intercellular communication and reflect the molecular signatures and functional status of their parent cells. However, EVs exhibit profound heterogeneity in size, molecular composition, cellular origin, and biological function. Conventional bulk analysis methods often mask their diversity and overlook rare yet biologically or clinically significant EV subpopulations. Thus, sensitive single-particle analytical techniques are indispensable for unravelling EV heterogeneity and advancing their biomedical translation.

Nano-flow cytometry has emerged as a transformative platform for the rapid, multiparameter analysis of individual EVs, enabling simultaneous characterization of physical properties and molecular cargo at the single-vesicle level. Despite its promise, reliable single-EV analysis remains technically challenging due to the minute size of EVs, low molecular abundance, and interference from background particles. Continued innovation in instrumentation, probe design, sample preparation, calibration, and standardization is essential to achieve robust and reproducible single-EV measurements.

This Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge advances in nano-flow cytometry-based EV analysis and their biomedical applications. We invite contributions on topics including, but not limited to:

● Technological and Methodological Advances;

● Multiparameter Profiling of EVs from Diverse Origins;

● Standardization, Calibration, and Quality Control;

● Liquid Biopsy and Clinical Translation;

● Engineered and Therapeutic Applications.

The goal is to present innovative analytical strategies, establish robust measurement frameworks, and accelerate the translation of EV research into diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. Researchers from analytical chemistry, biophysics, nanotechnology, molecular and cellular biology, bioengineering, and clinical medicine are warmly encouraged to submit their original research articles and comprehensive reviews.

Extracellular vesicles, nano-flow cytometry, single-particle analysis, ev heterogeneity, biomedical applications