Novel method to isolate Exosomes set to revolutionise translational opportunities.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) especially exosomes play a critical role in intercellular communication and are emerging as biomarkers for disease diagnostics and therapeutic delivery. Yet, the field continues to grapple with a familiar bottleneck—isolation and purification of EVs.

What’s the issue?

For years a multitude of scientists across the planet have tried to isolate exosomes. Many spend inordinate resources to fine tune existing paradigms such as Ultra-Centrifugation (UC) only to gain tiny steps on an existing technology that is limited. Plagued by low yield, long processing times, and high contamination from proteins, cellular debris, and unwanted nucleic acids, this is likely a root cause of the stagnation in progression of research.

Why EXODUS?

In late 2024, ATA Scientific was invited to assess a novel approach: the EXODUS automatic exosome isolation system. After visiting the facility behind the technology we were convinced (and gobsmacked) we had discovered a genuine leap forward for high efficiency exosome isolation – already capable of 10 L scale production.

Supported by multiple peer reviewed papers, this novel technology was published in the Nature Methods article (NATURE METHODS | VOL 18 | FEBRUARY 2021 212 | 212–218 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41592-020-01034-x ).

So how does the EXODUS work?

The technology has been developed using a dual-membrane nanofiltration system that integrates periodic negative pressure oscillation (NPO) and double-coupled ultrasonic harmonic oscillations (HO). Whilst this sounds vaguely familiar- it is not a flux capacitor used for time travel like in the movie, Back to the Future! Essentially, it has filters that jiggle about releasing the exosomes to avoid the caking effect that blocks a filter and uses ultrasonic harmonic oscillations to keep the exosomes in suspension. The result? Dramatically improved purity and yield without damaging delicate vesicles.

Field-Proven Results Across Australia.

Curious whether it would hold up under local lab conditions, we brought EXODUS to several institutions including the John Curtin School of Medical Research in Canberra. The response? One user described the yield as “ridiculously high.” Similar outcomes followed in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, where researchers were impressed by how intuitive and fast the system is—yes, even Prof Barry Slim runs it himself!

 At 50 – 100 nm these little guys are hard to see, unless you use a Malvern Panalytical NanoSight Pro Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) system. The EXODUS results in yields beyond 90 %, purity around 98%, it is super-fast and gentle – avoiding damage to the EVs. EXODUS produces at lab scale to enormous volumes. It works so well we have prominent Professors visiting the factory to discuss scaling up opportunities for EXODUS in Australia.

Want to see it in action?

ATA Scientific is offering lab demonstrations of the EXODUS system—join the growing list of Australian labs eager to experience this game-changing technology first-hand.

Contact Pete Davis at ATA Scientific to book a trial or be notified when the system becomes available near you.