Secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in intercellular communication, both in physiology and pathology. Their availability in biological fluids and their specificity reflect the cell of origin or disease profile. These properties make these vesicles innovative and attractive diagnostic tools. However, the small size of EVs, particularly exosomes (30-150 nm), the complex environment of biological fluids, and the lack of specific markers make their purification and characterization difficult. For the past fifteen years, the scientific community has been working to establish reproducible and well-defined methodologies for the isolation and characterization of VEs, particularly through imaging and flow cytometry. For early diagnostic studies, where every signal is important, choosing the right analysis method is crucial. In recent years, industrial equipment suppliers have focused their efforts on:

• improving EV preparation tools;
• the versatility of existing technologies in other areas of research;
• the optical and electronic optimization of microscope and cytometer detection systems to improve signal detection and resolution.

The Microscopy Imaging Cytometry Azur (MICA) multi-site platform gives researchers in the French Riviera region privileged access to these technologies.

Our thematic day will bring together the scientific community interested in this issue from an experimental and technological perspective, and will provide an overview of the latest advances in this field. It will enable participants to identify new tools and/or collaborators within a geographical area that facilitates interaction, and to establish dynamic and interactive exchanges with MICA staff.