Table 1 Advantages and disadvantages of mycobacterial EV (MEV) preparation methods
Technique | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Ultracentrifugation | • Straightforward process • Inexpensive after centrifuge purchase • Widely used | • Instrument dependent • Low separation efficiency • Vesicle aggregation/potential damage or lysis • Published methods often lack details about instrumentation, rotors, and conditions |
Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation | • High separation efficiency • Inexpensive after centrifuge purchase • Widely used • Additional dimension of separation by density vs size only | • Time consuming • Instrument dependent • Complex process • Low yield • Vesicle aggregation • Gradient medium removal required prior to analysis • Published methods often lack details about instrumentation, rotors, and conditions |
Size Exclusion Chromatography | • High separation efficiency • Scalable • Straightforward process • Automation capable • Preserves EV integrity • Gentle | • Reagent and consumables cost • Dilute output • Can be challenging to define desired fractions based on overlap of EV markers and contaminants |