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Updated: Nov 9, 2025
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Characterizing Extracellular Vesicles from Biological Fluids
Published on: February 28, 2025
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Approaches to surface engineering of extracellular vesicles
Maximilian Richter1, Pieter Vader2, Gregor Fuhrmann1
1Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Biogenic Nanotherapeutics Group (BION), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Campus E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany; Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany.
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|April 8, 2021
Summary
Researchers are exploring methods to modify extracellular vesicles (EVs) for drug delivery. This review covers techniques for engineering these nanoparticles to enhance their therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial for intercellular communication.
- EVs show promise for therapeutic and drug-delivery applications.
- Surface modification of EVs can optimize their function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of techniques for surface modification of EVs.
- To discuss methods for engineering EVs for pharmaceutical applications.
- To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different EV engineering approaches.
Main Methods:
- Genetic manipulation of producing cells to create surface-modified EVs.
- Metabolic engineering of cells for EV surface functionalization.
- Post-isolation engineering of EVs using physical or chemical methods.
Main Results:
- Various techniques exist for modifying EV surfaces, either pre- or post-isolation.
- Cellular engineering and direct EV modification offer different advantages and challenges.
- The choice of method impacts EV integrity and therapeutic applicability.
Conclusions:
- Surface modification is key to unlocking the full therapeutic potential of EVs.
- A thorough understanding of available techniques is essential for developing advanced EV-based therapies.
- Further research is needed to optimize EV engineering for clinical translation.
