Mapping the Landscape of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: From Bench to Bedside

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, have garnered significant attention for their therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine and inflammatory disease management. This bibliometric analysis maps the global research landscape of MSC-derived EV studies from 2014 to 2025, utilizing data from Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and PubMed. A total of 99 research articles were analyzed after screening 335 initial records, focusing on publication trends, citation metrics, collaboration networks, and thematic evolution. The field exhibited a 27.11% annual publication growth rate, with 841 authors contributing to 70 journals, reflecting its interdisciplinary and collaborative nature. Key findings include a surge in publications from 2018 onward, driven by clinical trials targeting conditions such as COVID-19, osteoarthritis, and spinal cord injury. The United States and China led international collaborations, with 22.68% of publications involving cross-border co-authorships. Keyword analysis revealed a shift from foundational terms like "exosomes" to clinical applications like "immunomodulation" and "osteoarthritis." Despite the field's promise, limitations such as partial 2025 data and exclusion of non-English studies suggest areas for broader inclusion. This study underscores the rapid growth and clinical potential of MSC-derived EV research, providing insights for researchers and policymakers to advance therapeutic development.