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Updated: Aug 9, 2025
Optimizing Extracellular Vesicle Delivery Using a Core-Sheath 3D-Bioprinted Scaffold for Chronic Wound Management
Published on: February 28, 2025
Extracellular Vesicle-Based Hydrogels for Wound Healing Applications
Andreu Miquel Amengual-Tugores1,2, Carmen Ráez-Meseguer1,2, Maria Antònia Forteza-Genestra1,2
1Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Group, Research Institute on Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain.
Hydrogels combined with extracellular vesicles (EVs) show promise for wound healing by enabling sustained EV release and maintaining optimal pH. Further research is needed for clinical translation, focusing on functional EV production and storage.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Hydrogels and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging therapeutic strategies for wound closure.
- Their combination has demonstrated efficacy in managing both chronic and acute wounds.
- Hydrogels provide a matrix for sustained, controlled release of EVs and maintain optimal pH for EV stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on hydrogel-EV combinations for wound healing.
- To analyze the outcomes of these combined therapies.
- To discuss future perspectives and challenges for clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies reporting hydrogel-EV formulations for wound closure.
- Analysis of reported therapeutic results and mechanisms of action.
- Identification of barriers to clinical implementation.
Main Results:
- Hydrogel encapsulation facilitates controlled release of EVs, enhancing wound healing.
- EVs derived from various sources can be incorporated into hydrogel systems.
- Key challenges include producing functional EV-hydrogel constructs and establishing long-term EV storage.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogel-based delivery systems offer significant advantages for EV therapeutics in wound management.
- Addressing challenges in production and storage is crucial for advancing EV-hydrogel therapies to clinical practice.
- This combination holds substantial potential for improving wound closure outcomes.
