Journal: Biomedicines

Article Title: Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Umbilical Cord-Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

doi: 10.3390/biomedicines13102420

Figure Lengend Snippet: Characterization of EVs derived from hUC-MSCs. ( A ) SEM provides an image illustrating the geometry and size of the EVs. Scale bar = 5 μm. ( B ) AFM presents a topographic 2D image (amplitude modulation), demonstrating EV adhesion to mica, drying with N2, and captured in air. Scale bar = 1 μm. ( C ) DLS analysis using the Nano Zetasizer reveals the size distribution of EVs. The peak height indicates an average size of 403.3 ± 85.94 nm, while the zeta potential analysis shows a negative potential of approximately −0.270 ± 4.02 mV. A negative zeta potential suggests stability in an aqueous solution, with a value of 4.02 mV indicating stable aqueous dispersion in a physiological environment. ( D ) Light and fluorescent microscopy were utilized to evaluate the distribution of EVs isolated from hUC-MSCs Via the differential centrifugation technique. Scale bar = 50 μm. Overall, A – D provides a comprehensive overview of the physical characteristics, size distribution, surface properties, and molecular composition of the isolated EVs, enhancing our understanding of their potential biological functions and therapeutic applications.

Article Snippet: The size distribution and zeta potential of EVs derived from hUC-MSCs were assessed using the Zetasizer DLS Nano ZS system version 7.12 (MAL1160489, Malvern Instruments, Malvern, UK) according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Techniques: Derivative Assay, Zeta Potential Analyzer, Dispersion, Microscopy, Isolation, Centrifugation