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Redefining the Limits of Nanodevices-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Extracellular Vesicles
Marina Lucia Díaz1,2, Victoria Simón1,3, Luciano Alejandro Benedini1,4
1Departmento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca 80000, Argentina.
Pharmaceutics
|December 31, 2025
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are natural nanocarriers with therapeutic potential, offering advantages like biocompatibility and drug delivery. Challenges in characterization and cost hinder clinical use, but advancements offer future therapeutic pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized, cell-derived systems found in body fluids, carrying biomolecules from their source cells.
- EVs are implicated in physiological processes and diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Their structure allows them to act as natural drug carriers, similar to synthetic liposomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the classification, physiological roles, and therapeutic applications of EVs.
- To discuss current methods for EV isolation, purification, and functionalization for drug delivery.
- To explore novel pathways and future perspectives for EV-based therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on EV classification, isolation, purification, and therapeutic applications.
- Analysis of EV-mediated drug delivery strategies and functionalization techniques.
- Discussion of challenges and future directions in clinical applications.
Main Results:
- EVs possess inherent biocompatibility, blood-brain barrier penetration, and gene delivery capabilities, surpassing synthetic nanocarriers.
- Current EV isolation and characterization methods face standardization challenges.
- EV functionalization offers versatile strategies for targeted drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- EVs represent a promising platform for advanced drug delivery systems in various medical fields.
- Addressing challenges in standardization and cost is crucial for widespread clinical translation.
- Further research into EV-based therapeutics will pave the way for novel treatments.
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