Hi Dina,

I think both are ok but what matters most is the starting volume, isolation method, and exosome characterisation: presence of exosmal markers: e.g. using western blot, size: e.g. using nanoparticle tracking analysis, and shape: e.g. using elctronic microscope).

You may perform a comparison experiment between plasma and serum and then compare exosome characteristics and choose the best.

Good luck!

Thanks Fatema Almughlliq :)

Hello Dina

You can isolate exosomes from either serum or plasma. But there is a difference. Plasma samples contains many clotting factors and some additional proteins which may be tedious to handle while isolating exosomes from plasma. Moreover, an additional proteinase K treatment will have to be given if exosomes are to be used for RNA and protein analysis. If exosomes are used for electron microscopy studies proteinase K treatment is not necessary. So I suggest you use serum samples for your study if they easily available.

All the best!

Many thanks for sharing your illustration Malcolm Nobre