EVs and Bioengineering: From Cellular Products to Engineered Nanomachines

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanomedicine
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are natural nano-carriers with diverse biological functions.
• Their potential in nanomedicine is significant but requires further exploration and development.
• Current research focuses on modifying and re-engineering EVs for therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of current advancements in EV modification and re-engineering.
• To discuss the potential of engineered and artificial EVs in nanomedicine.
• To highlight methods for producing and utilizing these vesicles as therapeutic agents.

Main Methods:

• Overview of natural EV production and extraction methods.
• Detailed discussion of techniques for EV cargo loading.
• Exploration of surface modification strategies for engineered EVs (direct and indirect methods).
• Analysis of synthetic and chimeric EV production techniques (top-down and bottom-up).

Main Results:

• Natural EVs can be utilized as cargo carriers.
• Engineered EVs can be produced via parental cell modification or direct surface engineering.
• Artificial and chimeric EVs represent a frontier in nanomedicine therapeutics.
• Various methods exist for producing modified EVs with specific functionalities.

Conclusions:

• EV modification and engineering offer promising avenues for nanomedicine.
• Artificial and synthetic EVs are advancing therapeutic possibilities.
• Further research into EV production and application is crucial for realizing their full potential.