The End-to-End Molecular Communication Model of Extracellular Vesicle-Based Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cell-to-cell communication networks offer biocompatible platforms for therapeutic delivery.
• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) exhibit pharmacokinetic properties, enabling next-generation biotherapeutics.
• Natural communication systems are being engineered for targeted drug release, navigation, and uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically analyze extracellular vesicle (EV) transfer within heart tissue.
• To model EV transport using an information and communication technology (ICT) approach.
• To understand factors influencing EV biodistribution for optimized therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

• Abstracting EV releasing cells as transmitters and extracellular matrix as the channel.
• Modeling EV transfer dynamics within heart tissue.
• Utilizing analytical models to simulate EV biodistribution.

Main Results:

• EV release can be modulated by external forces, such as electrical signals.
• Extracellular matrix properties significantly affect EV transfer.
• Plasma membrane characteristics influence EV reception by target cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed models provide insights into EV biodistribution in cardiac tissue.
• Understanding these factors can help avoid unintended drug administration and reduce side effects.
• This ICT-based approach advances the design of EV-mediated drug delivery systems.