Exosome characterization  is a crucial step in understanding the complex roles these small extracellular vesicles play in cellular communication and disease processes. Exosomes, typically ranging from 30 to 150 nanometers in size, are released by virtually all cell types and are found in various body fluids, including blood, urine, and saliva. They carry a rich cargo of proteins, lipids, RNA, and DNA, reflecting the cell of origin and providing valuable insights into physiological and pathological states.

The process of exosome characterization involves several analytical techniques aimed at determining their size, concentration, surface markers, and molecular content. Techniques such as nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) are commonly used to assess exosome size and concentration. Flow cytometry and Western blotting help identify specific surface proteins that can serve as biomarkers for different diseases. Additionally, advanced methods like mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing are employed to analyze the proteomic and genomic content of exosomes, respectively.