A mini-review: Advances in plant-derived extracellular vesicles as nano-delivery systems for tumour therapy

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles are functionally active, nanoscale, membrane-bound vesicles that can be secreted by all cells. They have a key role in most health and disease states and have gradually become a promising class of delivery vehicles for targeted therapies for a variety of diseases. Plant-derived extracellular vesicles have received increasing attention based on their easy availability, non-toxicity and high absorption. However, compared with mammalian extracellular vesicles, the role of these nanoparticles as nano-delivery systems in tumour therapy has been underestimated. In this paper, the application of plant-derived extracellular vesicles and their nano-derivatives as nano-delivery systems in tumour therapy is reviewed to illustrate their great application potential.

Urolithin A’s Role in Alleviating Severe Acute Pancreatitis via Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondrial Calcium Channel Modulation

“…For example, they are unlikely to carry pathogens or cause immune reactions, ensuring higher biosafety; moreover, plant vesicles have specific membrane compositions and structures, enhancing their stability during processing and storage; at the same time, plants can be cultivated on a large scale, making plant-derived vesicles more economical and sustainable; additionally, plant vesicles may be easier to genetically modify and bioengineer, offering greater potential for engineering applications. 51,52 Our preliminary study on P-EVs showed some protection against pancreatic acinar cell injury. Going forward, our research will focus on the composition of P-EVs, aiming to enrich the vesicles with specific bioactive compounds to boost their therapeutic potential and application prospects.…”

Therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles from diverse sources in cancer treatment

“…The lipid membranes of plant-EVs provide robust protection for bioactives against environmental elements, such as alterations in pH, heat, and light, while also demonstrating exceptional stability [ 129 ]. Plant-EVs possess intrinsic active substances from their source plants, endowing them with advantageous biological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects [ 130 ]. With their potential to serve as efficient nanodelivery vehicles, plant EVs offer promising prospects for a wide range of cancer treatments.…”

“…To address this, Wang and his team effectively reassembled the lipids of grapefruit to form a nanocarrier derived from grapefruit. This approach facilitates the passage of therapeutic medications across the blood–brain barrier and, potentially enhancing the efficacy and stability of drug therapy for brain malignancies [ 130 ]. Plant-EVs, being naturally occurring nanoscale particles, possess the capability to transport molecules including lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins with precision and efficiency in intercellular communication and substance transfer.…”

Living Cells and Cell-Derived Vesicles: A Trojan Horse Technique for Brain Delivery

“…Plant-derived EVs have the advantages of low cost, high productivity, and high stability [99]. Plant-derived EVs contain the innate active components secreted by the source plants, which have biological functions such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor [99]. Therefore, plant-derived EVs can serve as potential drug carriers and therapeutic agents.…”