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Updated: Oct 25, 2025

Scalable Isolation and Purification of Extracellular Vesicles from Escherichia coli and Other Bacteria
Published on: October 13, 2021
Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles: From Discovery to Applications
Mariana G Sartorio1, Evan J Pardue1, Mario F Feldman1
1Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA;
Abstract:
Secretion of cellular components across the plasma membrane is an essential process that enables organisms to interact with their environments. Production of extracellular vesicles in bacteria is a well-documented but poorly understood process. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are produced in gram-negative bacteria by blebbing of the outer membrane. In addition to their roles in pathogenesis, cell-to-cell communication, and stress responses, OMVs play important roles in immunomodulation and the establishment and balance of the gut microbiota. In this review, we discuss the multiple roles of OMVs and the current knowledge of OMV biogenesis. We also discuss the growing and promising biotechnological applications of OMV.
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