Exosome-Hydrogel System in Bone Tissue Engineering: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy

Exosomes, as messengers of cell-to-cell communication, have many functional properties similar to those of their derived cells. Because they contain a large number of bioactive components that regulate recipient cell behavior, they are inanimate and do not require external maintenance or assistance. Various cell-derived exosomes are involved in many physiological processes of bone tissue repair. Hydrogels are widely used as scaffolding materials for bone tissue repair because their 3D network structure resembles the natural extracellular matrix. Moreover, their material properties and biological functions are adjustable. Exosomes can be delivered directly to the bone tissue damage site by hydrogel, and their duration of action in vivo can be prolonged by slow release. Therefore, the exosome-loaded hydrogel (Exo-Gel) system is a promising material for bone tissue engineering. In this study, the progress of the application of Exo-Gel in bone tissue repair and the improvement strategies, problems and research prospects of the current exosomes and hydrogels that have been applied to the Exo-Gel system for bone tissue repair are reviewed.