Abstract: If forms an object of the present invention a microfluidic chip (100, 200, 800, 900) for identifying and/or isolating small particles comprising at least a first microfluidic channel (110, 210), at least a first dielectrophoresis-producing electric field generating unit (DEP unit, 140, 240) positioned on a wall inside said channel (110, 210), at least one immunoaffinity capturing zone (150, 250) positioned inside said first channel (110, 210), on an opposing wall with respect to the one wherein said DEP unit (140, 240) is positioned and a voltage source (160, 260) electrically coupled to said DEP unit (140, 240), wherein said first channel (110, 210) includes a channel first end (112, 212) and a channel second end (114, 214) of a channel flow path for the fluid through the channel (110, 210). A further object is a method for the identification and/or isolation of small particles from a fluid sample comprising using the microfluidic chip according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the early diagnosis and prognosis of an inflammatory state of the brain, caused by neurological, neurodegenerative, and/or aging diseases. Said method is based on the qualitative- quantitative evaluation of microglia microvesicles in a subject's plasma.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for the in vitro diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment monitoring of neurodegenerative, neurological and inflammation-based diseases, wherein the method comprises the steps: a) isolating microglial microvesicles (MVs) from biological fluids obtained from an individual; b) collecting the microRNA (miRNA) contained into said MVs; c) determining the expression profile of a predetermined set of miRNA; d) comparing said expression profile to one or several reference expression profiles, wherein the comparison of said determined expression profile to said one or several reference expression profiles allows for the diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment monitoring of the disease.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for the in vitro diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment monitoring of neurodegenerative, neurological and inflammation-based diseases, wherein the method comprises the steps: a) isolating microglial microvesicles (MVs) from biological fluids obtained from an individual; b) collecting the microRNA (miRNA) contained into said MVs; c) determining the expression profile of a predetermined set of miRNA; d) comparing said expression profile to one or several reference expression profiles, wherein the comparison of said determined expression profile to said one or several reference expression profiles allows for the diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment monitoring of the disease.