Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicle (EV) with a diameter of 30-100 nm released from cells. It contains nucleic acids (mRNA, microRNA) and proteins, and there is increasing interest in its role as a tool in intercellular communication and its use as a biomarker in various diseases including cancer. However, exosome experimental technology is still under development and there are many issues.
In collaboration with Professor Hanayama (Department of Immunology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences), Fujifilm Wako established a "PS affinity method" using Tim4, a protein that binds phosphatidylserine (PS) present on the surface of exosomes in a calcium ion-dependent manner. We have developed an exosome isolation kit. This kit enables the isolation of exosomes with high purity and less damage compared to conventional methods.