EXCEL - EXtracellular particle Characterization and Enrichment Lab (EV Core)
Overview of Services
Welcome to EXCEL (Extracellular Particles Characterization and Enrichment Lab) – the EV Core Facility dedicated to advancing research in extracellular vesicles (EVs) and other nanoparticles.
EVs are gaining prominence not only in basic cell biology but also as platforms for biomarkers and therapeutics. Our facility offers comprehensive services to support your research needs:
Consultation Services
Experimental Design Consultation
We provide guidance to ensure your study complies with international consensus standards for EV research, such as the Minimal Information for Studies of EVs (MISEV). This includes advice on sample collection and pre-processing.
MISEV Package
To facilitate adherence to MISEV guidelines, we offer a comprehensive MISEV Package that includes standardized protocols, documentation templates, and best practices to ensure your EV studies meet the highest standards of reproducibility and transparency.
EV Separation Techniques
Our suite of separation techniques can be performed individually or sequentially:
Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)
Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC)
Gravity-based methods using Izon pre-packed columns with automated fraction collectors
Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF)
Differential Ultracentrifugation (dUC)
Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation (dgUC)
Affinity Separations
EV Characterization Approaches
Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, we offer a range of characterization methods:
Several of these techniques are ideal for cutting-edge single-particle phenotyping.
Standard Characterization Methods
Western Blotting
ELISA
Protein, Lipid, and Nucleic Acid Quantification
Comprehensive Molecular Profiling
Proteins and RNA
In collaboration with existing Johns Hopkins cores, we offer services and advice for in-depth molecular profiling.
Post-Separation Consultation
We provide expert guidance on investigating EVs after separation and characterization to maximize the impact of your research findings.
Important Update: Rate Adjustments & New Services for 2025
Effective January 1, 2025, rates for our services will be slightly adjusted to align with financial requirements from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Most rates remain unchanged or include only minor adjustments.
What’s New? We’ve added exciting new services to enhance your research:
TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) Assistance
MISEV Compliance Package
We encourage you to review the updated rates and new service offerings before booking.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership!
Density gradient purification is designed to deliver high-resolution separation of low-volume, highly concentrated samples. This method ensures exceptional purity and consistency, making it ideal for demanding applications. Typically, density gradient purification is combined with an initial concentration or separation step to optimize results.
Pricing:
Charged per sample
Available Swinging Bucket Rotors:
Thermo Fisher AH-650: 4.5 mL capacity
Thermo Fisher TH-641: 12.5 mL capacity
Thermo Fisher AH-629-36: 35 mL capacity
JHU Internal
$100.00
each
External - Non-Academic
$172.00
each
External - Academic
$100.00
each
External - Fast Forward/Startup
$120.00
each
Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)
Our SEC service for EV isolation is conducted using IZON qEV columns, providing high-quality separation for various sample volumes. Available column sizes and sample capacities include:
Single: 100 µL sample capacity
Original: 500 µL sample capacity
qEV1: 1 mL sample capacity
qEV2: 2 mL sample capacity
qEV10: 10 mL sample capacity
Flexible Options:
If you prefer to use your own column, we offer this service at a reduced rate.
Columns will not be reused unless explicitly requested by the customer.
Additional Features:
Post-SEC, fractions can be concentrated down to the volume you specify, ensuring suitability for downstream applications.
JHU Internal
$110.00
each
External - Non-Academic
$189.00
each
External - Academic
$110.00
each
External - Fast Forward/Startup
$132.00
each
Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF)
Our TFF service is designed for efficient and scalable volume reduction of larger sample sizes, providing reliable preparation for downstream applications.
Key Features:
Available for sample volumes of up to 1 L or 5 L.
Standard filtration is performed using Sartorius 100 kDa cassettes, ensuring high-quality and consistent results.
Customization Options:
Custom membrane cassettes can be accommodated upon request.
Bring-your-own-column requests are welcome, with pricing determined based on specific requirements.
JHU Internal
$300.00
each
External - Non-Academic
$516.00
each
External - Academic
$300.00
each
External - Fast Forward/Startup
$360.00
each
Density gradient purification is designed to deliver high-resolution separation of low-volume, highly concentrated samples. This method ensures exceptional purity and consistency, making it ideal for demanding applications. Typically, density gradient purification is combined with an initial concentration or separation step to optimize results.
Pricing:
Charged per sample
Available Swinging Bucket Rotors:
Thermo Fisher AH-650: 4.5 mL capacity
Thermo Fisher TH-641: 12.5 mL capacity
Thermo Fisher AH-629-36: 35 mL capacity
JHU Internal
$100.00
each
External - Non-Academic
$172.00
each
External - Academic
$100.00
each
External - Fast Forward/Startup
$120.00
each
Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)
Our SEC service for EV isolation is conducted using IZON qEV columns, providing high-quality separation for various sample volumes. Available column sizes and sample capacities include:
Single: 100 µL sample capacity
Original: 500 µL sample capacity
qEV1: 1 mL sample capacity
qEV2: 2 mL sample capacity
qEV10: 10 mL sample capacity
Flexible Options:
If you prefer to use your own column, we offer this service at a reduced rate.
Columns will not be reused unless explicitly requested by the customer.
Additional Features:
Post-SEC, fractions can be concentrated down to the volume you specify, ensuring suitability for downstream applications.
JHU Internal
$110.00
each
External - Non-Academic
$189.00
each
External - Academic
$110.00
each
External - Fast Forward/Startup
$132.00
each
Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF)
Our TFF service is designed for efficient and scalable volume reduction of larger sample sizes, providing reliable preparation for downstream applications.
Key Features:
Available for sample volumes of up to 1 L or 5 L.
Standard filtration is performed using Sartorius 100 kDa cassettes, ensuring high-quality and consistent results.
Customization Options:
Custom membrane cassettes can be accommodated upon request.
Bring-your-own-column requests are welcome, with pricing determined based on specific requirements.
JHU Internal
$300.00
each
External - Non-Academic
$516.00
each
External - Academic
$300.00
each
External - Fast Forward/Startup
$360.00
each
Welcome!
