Relevance of multilamellar and multicompartmental vesicles in biological fluids: understanding the significance of proportional variations and disease correlation

Table 3 A comparison of available microscopy techniques to visualize the EVs

Method	Resolution / detection limit	Physical basis	Environment	EVs morphology	Detailed internal structure	Fine membrane structure
SEM	1 nm	Emission of electrons	Vacuum	Spherical but agglomeration can be occurred due to the drying process	No	No
AFM	1nm^a (XY), 0.1 nm^a (Z)	Physical interaction with sample	Vacuum, air, and liquid	Globular	No	No
TEM	0.1 nm	Scattering of electrons	Vacuum	Rounded or cup-shaped	No	Low quality
Cryo-EM	< 15Å	Scattering of electrons in low temperature	Vacuum	Rounded and 3D structure can be composed	Yes	High quality

SEM: Scanning electron microscopy. AFM: Atomic force microscopy. TEM: Transmission electron microscopy. Cryo-TEM: Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy

ISSN: 2050-7771