AFM images of erythrocyte microvesicles and nanovesicles.

Microvesicles (panels A, C) and nanovesicles (panel B) were adsorbed to WGA-coated mica surfaces. (A) (B) Topography images were obtained with the use of the Mac mode in buffered saline. Singly distributed vesicular structures are clearly resolved. Heights are indicated by a gray scale bar, ranging from 0 nm (black) to 200 nm (white) (panel A) and from 0 nm (black) to 100 nm (white) (panel B). Image size was 7.5 μm. (C) The high-resolution AFM amplitude image reveals distinct, texturelike structures on the microvesicular membranes and flat membrane patches that are occasionally associated with the microvesicles (arrows). Image size was 1.5 μm. (D) Size distribution of microvesicles (n = 82, asterisks) and nanovesicles (n = 85, triangles). Maxima are found at 179 nm and 81 nm, respectively.