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Evaluation of the Storage Stability of Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: May 22, 2019
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Extracellular vesicles as drug delivery systems: Why and how?
Omnia M Elsharkasy1, Joel Z Nordin2, Daniel W Hagey3
1CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|April 20, 2020
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) show promise as natural drug carriers, overcoming limitations of synthetic systems. This review explores unique EV features and strategies for effective drug loading and targeted delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Synthetic drug delivery systems face challenges including inefficiency, cytotoxicity, and immunogenicity.
- Natural drug carrier systems, particularly extracellular vesicles (EVs), are gaining prominence.
- EVs are cell-derived nanoparticles crucial for intercellular communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the unique characteristics of extracellular vesicles (EVs) relevant for drug delivery.
- To highlight emerging strategies for utilizing EVs as drug carriers.
- To provide insights into exploiting EV properties for enhanced drug loading and targeted delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of extracellular vesicle (EV) research in drug delivery.
- Analysis of EV biogenesis, composition, and biological functions.
- Exploration of current and novel strategies for EV-based drug loading and targeting.
Main Results:
- EVs possess inherent properties making them ideal natural drug delivery vehicles.
- Specific EV features facilitate efficient drug encapsulation and cellular uptake.
- Emerging techniques offer enhanced control over EV drug loading and targeting capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a superior alternative to synthetic drug delivery systems.
- Understanding EV biology is key to unlocking their full therapeutic potential.
- Advanced strategies are paving the way for clinical applications of EV-based drug delivery.
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