Polymers in Engineering Extracellular Vesicle Mimetics: Current Status and Prospective

Abstract

The maintenance of a high delivery efficiency by traditional nanomedicines during cancer treatment is a challenging task. As a natural mediator for short-distance intercellular communication, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have garnered significant attention owing to their low immunogenicity and high targeting ability. They can load a variety of major drugs, thus offering immense potential. In order to overcome the limitations of EVs and establish them as an ideal drug delivery system, polymer-engineered extracellular vesicle mimics (EVMs) have been developed and applied in cancer therapy. In this review, we discuss the current status of polymer-based extracellular vesicle mimics in drug delivery, and analyze their structural and functional properties based on the design of an ideal drug carrier. We anticipate that this review will facilitate a deeper understanding of the extracellular vesicular mimetic drug delivery system, and stimulate the progress and advancement of this field.

Nano-Drug Delivery Systems in Oral Cancer Therapy: Recent Developments and Prospective

“…Their unique structure and composition make them valuable for a range of applications. During the initiation and growth of tumors, various cellular functions such as down-regulation of tumor suppressors, enhancement of cell proliferation and invasion, initiation of angiogenesis, and metastasis require exosomes for intercellular communication [ 155 , 156 , 157 ]. In OC therapy, specific types of cells like dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and mesenchymal stem cells secrete exosomes with special properties and therapeutic potential that could be used in various aspects of OC treatment [ 153 ].…”

Extracellular Vesicles in the Repair of Bone and Cartilage Injury: From Macro‐Delivery to Micro‐Modification

“…These particles comprise a phospholipid bilayer that plays a crucial role in intercellular signal transduction. [14,15] EV-related technology can mitigate immune rejection, low-integration rates with host cells, and potential tumorigenicity better than the traditional approach of using seed cells and growth factor-based tissue engineering technology to treat bone and cartilage damage. [16] Lei et al discovered that exosomes (a type of EVs) secreted by healthy periodontal ligament stem cells can restore the osteogenic potential of stem cells in an inflammatory environment and promote alveolar bone regeneration.…”