Exosome-based Liquid Biopsy Services
Liquid biopsy has revolutionized cancer diagnostics by offering a minimally invasive approach to detect tumors, monitor treatment efficacy, and predict recurrence. Among its components, there are nanoscale extracellular vesicles called exosomes, which carry tumor-specific proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites and have emerged as critical biomarkers. At Alfa Cytology, we integrate advanced exosome isolation platforms with multi-dimensional bioinformatics to unlock their full diagnostic potential, driving the development of next-generation precision oncology tools.
Introduction to Exosome-based Liquid Biopsy
Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by all cell types, including tumor cells, that carry molecular cargo such as proteins, nucleic acids (e.g., DNA, RNA), lipids, and metabolites. These vesicles act as dynamic mediators of intercellular communication, reflecting the molecular heterogeneity and functional state of their parent cells. Their stability in biofluids—such as blood, plasma, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid—makes them promising biomarkers for non-invasive cancer diagnostics. In oncology, exosome-based liquid biopsy offers a paradigm shift by enabling early tumor detection, real-time monitoring of treatment response, and prediction of metastatic recurrence. Tumor-derived exosomes encapsulate disease-specific signatures, including oncogenic mutations, fusion transcripts, and immunosuppressive proteins, which can be analyzed to infer tumor evolution and therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Fig. 1 Biogenesis, secretion, composition, and application of exosomes as liquid biopsy. (Zhou, B., et al., 2020)
Our Services
Exosome-based liquid biopsy is redefining precision oncology, yet technical complexity and biomarker validation remain critical hurdles. At Alfa Cytology, we empower biopharmaceutical innovators with a comprehensive preclinical platform that integrates cutting-edge exosome isolation,
multi-omics
biomarker discovery, and AI-driven diagnostic model development. Our end-to-end solutions are designed to decode tumor heterogeneity, accelerate biomarker translation, and fast-track the creation of robust, non-invasive diagnostic tools.
Workflow of Exosome-based Liquid Biopsy Services
Exosome Isolation & Characterization
Providing comprehensive exosome isolation solutions tailored to diverse biofluids, including plasma, serum, and urine. Utilizing advanced techniques such as ultracentrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography, and immunoaffinity capture, we ensure high-purity exosome recovery. Rigorous quality control is performed through nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) for size distribution, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphological validation, and flow cytometry to confirm surface marker specificity. Our standardized protocols guarantee reproducibility and readiness for downstream multi-omics analysis.
Biomarker Discovery & Validation
Decoding exosome cargo through integrated proteomics (LC-MS/MS), transcriptomics (RNA-seq), and metabolomics (NMR/LC-MS) to identify tumor-associated biomarkers such as PD-L1, HER2, and metastasis-linked miRNAs. Candidate biomarkers are functionally validated using CRISPR-edited cell lines to assess their role in tumor progression, alongside 3D organoid co-culture models that replicate exosome-mediated tumor-stroma interactions and drug resistance mechanisms. This systematic approach ensures biomarker relevance to cancer biology and therapeutic targeting.
AI-Powered Data Analysis
Leveraging machine learning to transform multi-omics exosome data into predictive diagnostic tools. Our AI models classify cancer subtypes, predict therapy response, and track biomarker dynamics in preclinical studies. By prioritizing biomarkers based on diagnostic specificity and biological relevance, we deliver actionable insights to guide the development of non-invasive cancer detection tools and companion diagnostics.
Common Methods for Exosome Isolation
|
Method |
Principle |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Ultracentrifugation (UC) |
Separation via differential centrifugation |
"Gold standard", low protein contamination |
Low throughput, the potential damage of exosomes, contamination of similar particles |
| Density Gradient Centrifugation |
Isolation by further density discrepancy based on UC |
Increased purity compared to UC |
Low throughput |
| Filtration |
Using a specific pore size membrane to isolate exosomes |
Simple steps, time efficient |
Low yield, extrusion effects |
| Size‐exclusion Chromatography (SEC) |
Isolation by hydrodynamic volume |
Relatively gentle |
Low resolution |
| Immunoaffinity‐based Techniques |
Using antibodies to capture exosomes |
High purity, time‐saving |
Costly, nonspecific binding of antibodies |
Exosome-based liquid biopsy is transforming precision oncology, yet technical challenges persist. At Alfa Cytology, we simplify the journey with a preclinical platform integrating advanced exosome isolation, multi-omics biomarker discovery, and AI-driven diagnostics. Our solutions decode tumor heterogeneity and accelerate non-invasive tool development.
Contact us today to explore how our expertise in exosome-based liquid biopsy can elevate your preclinical research and turn diagnostic challenges into groundbreaking innovations.
Reference
- Zhou, B., et al. Application of exosomes as liquid biopsy in clinical diagnosis. Signal transduction and targeted therapy. 2020, 5(1): 144.
For research use only.
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