Cell-derived vesicle-modified biomaterials for tissue repair and regeneration

In recent years, cell-derived vesicle-modified biomaterials (CDVMBs) have been considered a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of traditional biomaterials in tissue repair and regeneration. By combining biomaterial carriers with cell-derived vesicles, CDVMBs integrate the functional advantages of the carriers, including support for cell adhesion, colonization, proliferation, and functionalization, while also incorporating the bioactive properties of cell-derived vesicles. In this review, the term "cell-derived vesicles" refers to two distinct bioinspired components used for carrier modification: cell membrane vesicles, which mainly retain membrane-associated receptors and interfacial biological functions, and exosomes, which are nanosized extracellular vesicles enriched in bioactive cargos such as proteins and nucleic acids. Accordingly, CDVMBs can mimic either the surface biological properties of source cells or the signaling functions mediated by exosomal cargos, thereby promoting interactions with damaged tissues and stimulating tissue regeneration. Based on the biomaterial biomimetic strategy and vesicle source, CDVMBs are classified into cell membrane-camouflaged biomaterials (CMCBs) and exosome-modified biomaterials (EMBs). This review summarizes their engineering strategies, biological mechanisms, and versatile applications for tissue repair, and further discusses the current challenges and future perspectives for clinical translation. Taken together, the integration of biomaterial carriers with cell-derived vesicles establishes a versatile bioinspired framework for engineering regenerative microenvironments and advancing tissue repair and regeneration.