Engineered plant extracellular vesicles for natural delivery across physiological barriers

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication through transferring proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.
• Plant-derived EVs (PDEVs) show promise due to superior biocompatibility and reduced cytotoxicity compared to other EVs.
• PDEVs are increasingly engineered for biomedical applications, acting as effective cargo carriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biogenesis, isolation, and identification methods for plant-derived EVs (PDEVs).
• To explore surface functionalization strategies for enhancing PDEV therapeutic efficacy.
• To analyze the potential of PDEVs as next-generation drug delivery vehicles for treating diseases across physiological barriers.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on PDEV biogenesis and isolation techniques.
• Analysis of surface modification methods for PDEVs.
• Critical evaluation of current challenges and opportunities in PDEV research.

Main Results:

• PDEVs possess inherent bioactive compounds and can be engineered for targeted delivery.
• Surface functionalization can significantly improve PDEV therapeutic efficiency and targeting capabilities.
• PDEVs demonstrate potential in overcoming physiological barriers for disease treatment.

Conclusions:

• Plant-derived EVs represent a promising platform for advanced drug delivery systems.
• Further research into PDEV engineering and application is warranted to overcome existing challenges.
• PDEVs offer a viable strategy for developing next-generation therapeutics with enhanced biocompatibility.