Functional Ginger-Derived Extracellular Vesicles-Coated ZIF-8 Containing TNF-α siRNA for Ulcerative Colitis Therapy by Modulating Gut Microbiota

Morinda Officinalis-Derived Extracellular Vesicle-like Particles Promote Wound Healing via Angiogenesis

Wound healing is a multistage process, related to complex cellular and molecular interactions that manipulate the cell behaviors to promote regeneration and repair of skin. Interestingly, plant-derived extracellular vesicles-like particles (EVs) show great potential as preparations for skin diseases. In this study, extracellular vesicle-like particles derived from Morinda Officinalis (MOEVLPs) were isolated and effectively promoted the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells in vitro. Mechanistically, MOEVLPs significantly activated the MAPK/YAP1 signaling pathway, confirmed by proteomics analysis and immunofluorescence staining, with an increase in YAP1 expression level in a full-thickness skin wound model. Subsequently, MOEVLPs were further integrated into a hydrogel carrier, enabling them to affect wound microenvironments and accelerate wound healing at the molecular level. The functional hydrogel exhibited a prolonged release of MOEVLPs, promoting angiogenesis and wound healing in vivo, which provided a promising strategy for clinical applications in advanced skin healthcare.

ZIF-8/doxorubicin nanoparticles camouflaged with Cucurbita-derived exosomes for targeted prostate cancer therapy

Development of biomimetic drug delivery systems (DDSs) holds great promise to overcome various nanoparticle-associated hindrances in cancer therapy. However, producing biomimetic nanoparticles camouflaged by animal cell-secreted exosomes presents several challenges, including low yield and some ethical considerations. Herein, we designed a biomimetic nanocarrier composed of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX) as the core and a shell of exosome-like nanoparticles (EXO) derived from Cucurbita moschata (CEXO). This design enhances safety and addresses some exosome limitations. The CEXO@ZIF-8/DOX platform was further functionalized with an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) aptamer (Apt-CEXO@ZIF-8/DOX) for targeted delivery to prostate cancer (PC) cells. After investigating the anticancer activity of CEXOs on PC-3 cells, the exosomes were utilized to coat ZIF-8/DOX. The immune evasion capability, cellular uptake, and anticancer effects of nanoplatforms were assessed. Moreover, the in vivo effectiveness of the targeted platform in inhibiting tumor growth and minimizing the adverse effects, was assessed using immunocompromised C57BL/6 mice bearing human PC-3 tumors. Cucurbita exosomes decreased cell viability and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in PC-3 cells without affecting the normal cells. The biomimetic CEXO@ZIF-8/DOX improved immune escaping ability and hemocompatibility. The targeted nanocarrier, with augmented uptake and cellular toxicity in EpCAM-positive PC-3 cells, indicated active targeting efficacy mediated by the EpCAM aptamer. These results were supported by animal experiments that implied the effectiveness of Apt-CEXO@ZIF-8/DOX in inhibiting tumor growth without adverse side effects. This study introduces a novel functional nanocarrier that could potentially revolutionize DDSs by utilizing safer and more biocompatible plant exosomes.

Extracellular vesicles as vital players in drug delivery: a focus on clinical disease treatment

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), a diverse population of bilayer lipid-membrane vesicles secreted by cells, have emerged as ideal drug carriers due to their efficient cellular uptake and targeted delivery capabilities. Advancements in medical and bioengineering collaborations have enabled EVs to be engineered for specific marker expression or therapeutic cargo transport, positioning them as a promising modality for treating cancer, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and beyond. EV-based drug delivery strategies offer distinct advantages, including facilitation of intercellular communication and immune modulation, high biocompatibility and stability, the ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier, and potential synergistic interactions with encapsulated therapeutics to enhance efficacy. This review explores EV isolation and scalable production, emphasizing cost-effective and reproducible manufacturing strategies, cargo-loading methodologies, and therapeutic applications. Additionally, the current landscape of EV-based targeted drug delivery, clinical translation prospects, and prevailing challenges are examined to provide a comprehensive perspective on their potential in drug delivery systems.

Engineered Turmeric-Derived Nanovesicles for Ulcerative Colitis Therapy by Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Alleviating Inflammation

Inflammation and oxidative stress are important features of traumatic ulcerative colitis (UC). Turmeric has been used as a dietary and functional ingredient for its potent anti-inflammatory effects in UC therapy. However, its practical effectiveness is hindered by limited reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination properties. To address this, we constructed a unique treatment agent by growing cerium oxide (CeO2) nanocrystals on the membranes of turmeric-derived nanovesicles (TNVs), named as TNV-Ce. The resulted TNV-Ce could suppress inflammation and exhibit exceptional ROS-scavenging activity, which was validated both in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages and dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced chronic colitis mouse model. Following oral administration, TNV-Ce significantly accumulated at inflamed sites, effectively eliminating ROS and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines for synergistic action against UC.

A multifaceted microenvironment nanoregulator for targeted ovarian cancer therapy

The treatment of ovarian cancer is hindered by its insidious onset and rapid progression. Exosomes (EXOs) present a promising therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer by modulating the tumor microenvironment. However, concerns regarding the biosafety of animal-derived EXOs pose significant challenges to the development of innovative formulations. In this study, we propose a universal strategy to engineer plant-derived EXOs as microenvironment nanoregulators for targeted ovarian cancer therapy. EXOs derived from ginger were purified, loaded with the natural bioactive compound curcumin (Cur) with high encapsulation efficiency, and functionalized with a tumor-targeting aptamer. Upon intravenous administration, the resulting multifaceted microenvironment nanoregulator, termed AGE@Cur, effectively accumulates at the tumor site and exerts a tumor-suppressive effect through remodeling the tumor microenvironment. This novel therapeutic platform not only addresses the limitations of animal-derived EXOs but also paves the way for the development of innovative microenvironment regulators in clinical applications.

Functionalized ZIF-8 as a versatile platform for drug delivery and cancer therapy: strategies, challenges and prospects

This review discusses the functionalization strategies of ZIF-8 and challenges and future developments in ZIF-8-based platforms for drug delivery and cancer therapy. We systematically evaluate a series of innovative ZIF-8 functionalization methods, including atomic doping, introduction of targeting molecules, and biomimetic mineralization technology, to achieve precise drug release. These functionalization strategies significantly enhance the targeted delivery and controlled release properties of ZIF-8, broaden the diversity of drug delivery systems, maximize therapeutic effects, and minimize systemic toxicity. In addition, this review explores the important role of ZIF-8 in tumor therapy. Its ability to encapsulate multiple therapeutic agents and its responsiveness to the tumor microenvironment significantly improve the therapeutic effect and reduce the side effects of traditional treatments. By integrating multiple therapeutic agents and performing surface modification, ZIF-8-based platforms may provide personalized and efficient treatment options for drug-resistant or recurrent cancers. This review also comprehensively discusses the synthesis methods, drug loading capacity, and potential clinical applications of ZIF-8, emphasizing the need to optimize its large-scale production and reproducibility. In addition, further studies on the long-term biocompatibility and biodegradability of ZIF-8-based systems are essential to ensure their safety in long-term treatment. In summary, this review highlights the structural advantages and significant therapeutic potential of ZIF-8 and calls for the transition of ZIF-8 from laboratory research to clinical application to provide more targeted, efficient, and friendly cancer treatment options.

Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Plant-Derived Exosomes: Immunomodulation, Anticancer, Anti-Aging, Anti-Melanogenesis, Detoxification, and Drug Delivery

Most eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells have the potential to secrete a group of structures/membrane-bound organelles, collectively referred to as extracellular vesicles (EVs), which offer several advantages to producer/receiver cells. This review provides an overview of EVs from plant sources with emphasis on their health-promoting potential and possible use as therapeutic agents. This review highlights the essential biological effects of plant-derived extracellular vesicles, including immune modulation, anticancer activities, protection against chemical toxicity and pathogens, as well as anti-aging, anti-melanogenesis, and anti-arthritic effects, along with ongoing clinical studies. Evidence revealed that plant-derived EVs' contents exert their beneficial properties through regulating important signaling pathways by transferring miRNAs and other components. Taken all together, the data proposed that plant-derived EVs can be utilized as nutritional compounds and therapeutic agents, such as drug carriers. However, this emerging research area requires further in vitro/in vivo studies and clinical trials to determine the exact underlying mechanisms of EVs' positive health effects in treating various diseases.