Plant derived edible nanoparticles as a new therapeutic approach against diseases

Tea leaf exosome-like nanoparticles (TELNs) improve oleic acid-induced lipid metabolism by regulating miRNAs in HepG-2 cells

Tea is a widely consumed beverage globally, but the tea industry faces a significant waste management challenge. In this study, we developed tea leaf exosome-like nanoparticles (TELNs) with an average size of 274 ± 24.7 nm and a zeta potential of -20.6 ± 0.78 mV, using polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 precipitation followed by ultracentrifugation. Structural analysis confirmed that TELNs are composed of lipids, proteins, and RNAs. In vitro assays on HepG-2 cells revealed that TELNs are non-toxic at concentrations up to 300 µg/mL and can be efficiently internalized. TELNs exhibited significant antioxidant capacity and were able to significantly ameliorate H2O2-induced oxidative stress, increase the viability and reduce the accumulation of ROS in Hepg-2 cells. Notably, TELNs significantly alleviated OA-induced lipid metabolic disorders and hepatocellular injury. Further molecular analysis revealed that TELNs downregulated the expression of miR-21-5p, miR-17-3p, and miR-107, leading to the upregulation of their target genes PPARα, CYP7A1, and CPT-1A, which contributed to the improvement of lipid metabolism. This study is the first to demonstrate the lipid metabolism regulation potential of TELNs, providing new insights into their underlying mechanisms and helping to develop new therapeutic strategies for lipid metabolism-related diseases. Furthermore, it expands the scope of tea use and helps to reuse tea residues.

Blueberry-derived exosome like nanovesicles carry RNA cargo into HIEC-6 cells and down-regulate LPS-induced inflammatory gene expression: A proof-of-concept study

Exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNs) of food origin have received great attention in the last decade, due to the hypothesis that they contain bioactive molecules. ELNs purified from edible species have been shown to be protective and are able to regulate intestinal homeostasis. Despite ELNs being potential rising stars in modern healthy diets and biomedical applications, further research is needed to address underlying knowledge gaps, especially related to the specific molecular mechanism through which they exert their action. Here, we investigate the cellular uptake of blueberry-derived ELNs (B-ELNs) using a human stabilized intestinal cell line (HIEC-6) and assess the ability of B-ELNs to modulate the expression of inflammatory genes in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our findings show that B-ELNs are internalized by HIEC-6 cells and transport labeled RNA cargo into them. Pretreatment with B-ELNs reduces LPS-induced ROS generation and cell viability loss, while modulating the expression of 28 inflammatory genes compared to control. Pathway analysis demonstrates their ability to suppress inflammatory responses triggered by LPS. In conclusion, our data indicate that B-ELNs are up taken by HIEC-6 cells and can modulate inflammatory responses after LPS stimulation, suggesting a therapeutic potential. This study demonstrates the role of B-ELNs in regulating crucial biological processes, like anti-inflammatory responses, which could support intestinal health.

Therapeutic application and potential mechanism of plant-derived extracellular vesicles in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are membrane vesicles characterized by a phospholipid bilayer as the basic skeleton that is wrapped by various functional components of proteins and nucleic acids. An increasing number of studies have confirmed that PDEVs can be a potential treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and can, to some extent, compensate for the limitations of existing therapies.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the recent advances and potential mechanisms underlying PDEVs obtained from different sources to alleviate IBD. In addition, the review discusses the possible applications and challenges of PDEVs, providing a theoretical basis for exploring novel and practical therapeutic strategies for IBD.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

In IBD, the crosstalk mechanism of PDEVs may regulate the intestinal microenvironment homeostasis, especially immune responses, the intestinal barrier, and the gut microbiota. In addition, drug loading enhances the therapeutic potential of PDEVs, particularly regarding improved tissue targeting and stability. In the future, not only immunotherapy based on PDEVs may be an effective treatment for IBD, but also the intestinal barrier and intestinal microbiota will be a new direction for the treatment of IBD.

Nanovesicles derived from edible plants: a new player that contributes to the function of foods

Nano-sized vesicles are ubiquitous in vegetables, fruits, and other edible plants. We have successfully prepared nanovesicles (NVs) from over 150 edible plants. These results suggest that the daily intake of NVs from various foods and their roles in food function are promising novel approaches for explaining the health-promoting properties of edible plants. These vesicles contain RNAs, including miRNAs, similar to extracellular NVs, which play pivotal roles in cell-cell communication. Intriguingly, NVs also contain phytochemicals such as polyphenols and carotenoids that are specific to each edible plant. In conclusion, these dietary NVs have the potential to serve as functional packages to deliver RNAs or phytochemicals to target cells across species from plants to humans.

A Comprehensive Review on Exploring the Potential of Phytochemicals and Biogenic Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogenic Bacteria

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating global health concern that results in approximately 700,000 deaths annually owing to drug-resistant infections. It compromises the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics, as well as fundamental medical procedures, such as surgery and cancer treatment. Phytochemicals, natural plant constituents, and biogenic nanoparticles synthesized through biological processes are pharmacological alternatives for supplementing or replacing traditional antibiotics. These natural compounds exhibit a diverse range of bioactive properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, and have the potential to overcome bacterial resistance mechanisms. However, their limited solubility, bioavailability, and stability have limited their therapeutic potential. Nanotechnology, particularly the utilization of biogenic nanoparticles, offers the potential to overcome these limitations by enhancing the biosafety, stability, and controlled release of phytochemical compounds, thereby enabling a more effective combination of resistant pathogens. This review examines current research on the combinatorial application of phytochemicals and biogenic nanoparticles, with emphasis on their capacity to address AMR. This study presents a novel perspective on the concurrent utilization of phytochemicals and biogenic nanoparticles, which may enhance antibacterial efficacy while mitigating toxicity. This review provides specific and innovative insights into the novelty, sustainability, and eco-friendly aspects of these approaches to address multidrug-resistant infections, highlighting their role in emerging as a transformative strategy for AMR management through the integration of natural and biogenic resources.

The pharmacodynamic and pharmacological mechanisms underlying nanovesicles of natural products: Developments and challenges

Natural products such as Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) show great advantages in the treatment and prevention of diseases, but the unclear effective ingredients and mechanisms are key obstacles to restrict their rapid development. Under the guidance of the theoretical guidance of reductionism and the theoretical of allopathic medicine, some researches have indeed achieved some breakthrough results. However, these incomplete methods mainly limited to direct actions or indirect actions (such as the intermediated substances mediated cross-organ or cross-system regulation) mechanism of single active ingredient derived from natural products, which are often inconsistent with Systemism and Harmonizing Medicine and make it difficult to reasonably explain the pharmacodynamics and pharmacological mechanism of most natural products. Actually, effective pharmaceutical ingredients often do not exist in the form of free monomers, but prefer to assembly nanovesicles (NVs) for a combinational pharmacological effect, mainly including self-assembled nanoparticles (SANs) and exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs). These developments of NVs-based application are a good supplement to existing pharmacological mechanism research. Hence, this review focuses on the developments and strategies of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacological mechanism of NVs-based TCMs under the combining theory of traditional Chinese and western medicine. On this basis, a novel "multidimensional combination" research approach is proposed firstly, which will provide new strategies and directions for breaking through the bottleneck of pharmacological mechanism research, and promote the clinical application of innovative natural products including TCMs.

Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles for microRNA delivery in cancer treatment

Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PELNs) are natural nanocarriers and effective delivery systems for plant microRNAs (miRNAs). These PELN-carrying plant miRNAs can regulate mammalian genes across species, thereby increasing the diversity of miRNAs in mammals and exerting multi-target effects that play a crucial role in diseases, particularly cancer. PELNs demonstrate exceptional stability, biocompatibility, and targeting capabilities that protect and facilitate the up-take and cross-kingdom communication of plant miRNAs in mammals. Primarily ingested and absorbed within the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, PELNs preferentially act on the intestine to regulate intestinal homeostasis through functional miRNA activity. The oncogenesis and progression of cancer are closely associated with disruptions in intestinal barriers, ecological imbalances, as well as secondary changes, such as abnormal inflammatory reactions caused by them. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate whether PELNs exert their anticancer effects by regulating mammalian intestinal homeostasis and inflammation. This review aims to elucidate the intrinsic crosstalk relationships and mechanisms of PELNs-mediated miRNAs in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, regulating inflammation and cancer treatment. Furthermore, serving as exceptional drug delivery systems for miRNAs molecules, PELNs offer broad prospects for future applications, including new drug research and development along with drug carrier selection within targeted drug delivery approaches for cancer therapy.

Cross-kingdom regulation of plant microRNAs: potential application in crop improvement and human disease therapeutics

Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that usually negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Recent data reveal that plant miRNAs are not limited to individual plants but can transfer across different species, allowing for communication with the plant, animal, and microbial worlds in a cross-kingdom approach. This review discusses the differences in miRNA biosynthesis between plants and animals and summarizes the current research on the cross-species regulatory effects of plant miRNAs on nearby plants, pathogenic fungi, and insects, which can be applied to crop disease and pest resistance. In particular, this review highlights the latest findings regarding the function of plant miRNAs in the transboundary regulation of human gene expression, which may greatly expand the clinical applicability of plant miRNAs as intriguing tools in natural plant-based medicinal products in the future.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Potential for Nanomaterial-Based Drug Delivery in Therapy of This Disease

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the predominant endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and represents the leading cause of anovulatory infertility, which imposes a considerable health and economic burden. Currently, medications used to treat PCOS can lead to certain adverse reactions, such as affecting fertility and increasing the risk of venous thrombosis. Drug delivery systems utilizing nanomaterials, characterized by prolonged half-life, precision-targeted delivery, enhanced bioavailability, and reduced toxicity, are currently being employed in the management of PCOS. This innovative approach is gaining traction as a favored strategy for augmenting the therapeutic efficacy of medications. Consequently, this paper discusses the roles of nanoparticles, nanocarriers, and targeted ligands within nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems, aiming to identify optimal methodologies for treating PCOS using nanomaterials. Additionally, prospective research avenues concerning nanomaterial-based delivery systems in the context of PCOS, as well as the implications of existing insights on the advancement of novel therapies for PCOS, are highlighted.

Alahmari A, A. Alqabbani A, Aldayel AM. Exploring the landscape of Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs): A comprehensive review of LNPs types and biological sources of lipids

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising carriers for delivering therapeutic agents, including mRNA-based immunotherapies, in various biomedical applications. The use of LNPs allows for efficient delivery of drugs, resulting in enhanced targeted delivery to specific tissues or cells. These LNPs can be categorized into several types, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles. The preparation of LNPs involves the manipulation of their structural, dimensional, compositional, and physical characteristics via the use of different methods in the industry. Lipids used to construct LNPs can also be derived from various biological sources, such as natural lipids extracted from plants, animals, or microorganisms. This review dives into the different types of LNPs and their preparation methods. More importantly, it discusses all possible biological sources that are known to supply lipids for the creation of LNPs. Natural lipid reservoirs have surfaced as promising sources for generating LNPs. The use of LNPs in drug delivery is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Herein, we suggest some environmentally friendly and biocompatible sources that can produce lipids for future LNPs production.

Plant-derived exosomes in therapeutic nanomedicine, paving the path toward precision medicine

BACKGROUND

Plant-derived exosomes (PDEs), are nanoscale vesicles secreted by multivesicular bodies, play pivotal roles in critical biological processes, including gene regulation, cell communication, and immune defense against pathogens. Recognized for their potential health-promoting properties, PDEs are emerging as innovative components in functional nutrition, poised to enhance dietary health benefits.

PURPOSE

To describe the efficacy of PDEs in nanoform and their application as precision therapy in many disorders.

STUDY DESIGN

The design of this review was carried out in PICO format using randomized clinical trials and research articles based on in vivo and in vitro studies.

METHODS

All the relevant clinical and research studies conducted on plant-derived nanovesicle application and efficacy were included, as retrieved from PubMed and Cochrane, after using specific search terms. This review was performed to determine PDEs' efficacy as nanomedicine and precision therapy. Sub-group analysis and primary data were included to determine the relationship with PDEs.

RESULT

PDEs are extracted from plant materials using sophisticated techniques like precipitation, size exclusion, immunoaffinity capture, and ultracentrifugation, encapsulating vital molecules such as lipids, proteins, and predominantly microRNAs. Although their nutritional impact may be minimal in small quantities, the broader application of PDEs in biomedicine, particularly as vehicles for drug delivery, underscores their significance. They offer a promising strategy to improve the bioavailability and efficacy of therapeutic agents carrying nano-bioactive substances that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anti-cancer activities.

CONCLUSION

PDEs enhance the therapeutic potency of plant-derived phytochemicals, supporting their use in disease prevention and therapy. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted aspects of PDEs, including their isolation methods, biochemical composition, health implications, and potential to advance medical and nutritional interventions.

Chinese herbal medicine-derived extracellular vesicles as novel biotherapeutic tools: present and future

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are phospholipid bilayer-enclosed biological particles that are secreted by almost all living cells including animals, plants, and microorganisms. Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) have a long history of using plant-based remedies to treat and prevent human diseases. Chinese herbal medicine-derived extracellular vesicle (CHMEV) generic term refers to nanoscale membrane structures isolated from medicinal plants such as ginseng, ginger, and Panax notoginseng. In recent years, CHMEVs have garnered substantial attention as a novel class of functional components due to their high bioavailability, safety, easy accessibility, and diverse therapeutic effects, indicating their great potential for development as a new dosage form of CHM. Research on CHMEVs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become a prominent area of interest, opening new avenues for further exploration into the therapeutic effects and functional mechanisms of CHM. Nonetheless, as an emerging field, there is much unknown about these vesicles, and current research remains inconsistent. The review comprehensively summarizes the biogenesis, isolation methods, and physical, and biochemical characterizations of CHMEVs. Additionally, we highlight their biomedical applications as therapeutic agents and drug delivery carriers, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, regenerative, and antiaging activities. Finally, we propose current challenges and future perspectives. By summarizing the existing literature, we aim to offer valuable clues and inspiration for future CHMEV research, thereby facilitating research standardization of CHMEVs in the treatment of human diseases and drug discovery.

Advances in plant-derived extracellular vesicles: isolation, composition, and biological functions

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are nanoscale vesicles released from plant cells into the extracellular space. While similar in structure and function to mammalian-derived EVs, PDEVs are unique due to their origin and the specific metabolites they carry. PDEVs have gained significant attention in recent years, with numerous reports isolating different PDEVs from various plants, each exhibiting diverse biological functions. However, the field is still in its early stages, and many issues need further exploration. To better develop and utilize PDEVs, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of their characteristics. This review provides an overview of recent advances in PDEV research. It focuses on the methods and techniques for isolating and purifying PDEVs, comparing their respective advantages, limitations, and application scenarios. Furthermore, we discuss the latest discoveries regarding the composition of PDEVs, including lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and various plant metabolites. Additionally, we detail advanced studies on the multiple biological functions of PDEVs. Our goal is to advance our understanding of PDEVs and encourage further exploration in PDEV-based science and technology, offering insights into their potential applications for human health.

Glioma-Derived Exosomes and Their Application as Drug Nanoparticles

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary tumor of the Central Nervous System (CNS) with a low survival rate. The malignancy of GBM is sustained by a bidirectional crosstalk between tumor cells and the Tumor Microenvironment (TME). This mechanism of intercellular communication is mediated, at least in part, by the release of exosomes. Glioma-Derived Exosomes (GDEs) work, indeed, as potent signaling particles promoting the progression of brain tumors by inducing tumor proliferation, invasion, migration, angiogenesis and resistance to chemotherapy or radiation. Given their nanoscale size, exosomes can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), thus becoming not only a promising biomarker to predict diagnosis and prognosis but also a therapeutic target to treat GBM. In this review, we describe the structural and functional characteristics of exosomes and their involvement in GBM development, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. In addition, we discuss how exosomes can be modified to be used as a therapeutic target/drug delivery system for clinical applications.

The Role of Exogenous microRNAs on Human Health: The Plant-Human Trans-Kingdom Hypothesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, single-stranded RNAs that act on gene silencing at the post-transcriptional level by binding to a target messenger RNA (mRNA), leading to its degradation or inhibiting translation into functional proteins. The key role of miRNAs in development, proliferation, differentiation andapoptosis has been deeply investigated, revealing that deregulation in their expression is critical in various diseases, such as metabolic disorders and cancer. Since these small molecules initially evolved as a mechanism of protection against viruses and transposable elements, the fascinating hypothesis that they can move between organisms both of the same or different species has been postulated. Trans-kingdom is the term used to define the migration that occurs between species. This mechanism has been well analyzed between plants and their pests, in order to boost defense and increase pathogenicity, respectively. Intriguingly, in the last decades, the plant-human trans-kingdom migration via food intake hypothesis arose. In particular, various studies highlighted the ability of exogenous miRNAs, abundant in the mainly consumed plant-derived food, to enter the human body affecting gene expression. Notably, plant miRNAs can resist the strict conditions of the gastrointestinal tract through a methylation step that occurs during miRNA maturation, conferring high stability to these small molecules. Recent studies observed the anti-tumoral, immune modulator and anti-inflammatory abilities of trans-kingdom interaction between plant and human. Here, we depict the existing knowledge and discuss the fascinating plant-human trans-kingdom interaction, highlighting first the eventual role of plant miRNAs from foods on our somatic gene identity card and then the potential impact of using plant miRNAs as novel therapeutic avenues.

Milk Exosome-Glow Nanosystem for Cancer Cellular and Tissue Bioimaging

Milk-derived exosomes are widely used for diagnosis, delivery, imaging, and theranostic applications. Near-Infrared (NIR) based fluorescence bioimaging is an attractive and safer technique that is used for clinical applications. However, almost all NIR imaging agents tend to have poor photostability, short half-life, nonspecific protein binding, and concentration-dependent aggregation(s). Therefore, there is an unmet clinical need to develop newer and safer modalities to package and deliver NIR imaging agents. Bovine milk exosomes are natural, biocompatible, safe, and efficient nanocarriers that facilitate the delivery of micro- and macromolecules. Herein, we developed an exosome-based NIR dye loaded nanoimaging formulation that offers improved solubility and photostability of NIR dye. Following the acetic acid based extracellular vesicle (EV) treatment method, we extracted the bovine milk exosomes from a variety of pasteurized grade milk. The EVs were screened for their physicochemical properties such as particle size and concentration and zeta potential. The stability of these exosomes was also determined under different conditions, including storage temperatures, pH, and salt concentrations. Next, indocyanine green, a model NIR dye was loaded into these exosomes (Exo-Glow) via a sonication method and further assessed for their improved fluorescence intensity and photostability using an IVIS imaging system. Initial screening suggested that size of the selected bovine milk exosomes was ∼100-135 nm with an average particle concentration of 5.8 × 102 particles/mL. Exo-Glow further demonstrated higher fluorescence intensity in cancer cells and tissues when compared to free dye. These results showed that Exo-Glow has the potential to serve as a safer NIR imaging tool for cancer cells/tissues.

New Nanovesicles from Prickly Pear Fruit Juice: A Resource with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Nutrigenomic Properties

Plant-derived nanovesicles represent a novel approach in the field of plant-derived biomaterials, offering a sustainable and biocompatible option for various biomedical applications. The unique properties of these vesicles, such as their ability to encapsulate bioactive compounds, make them suitable for therapeutic, cosmetic, and nutraceutical purposes. In this study, we have, for the first time, successfully bio-fabricated vesicles derived from Opuntia ficus-indica (FicoVes) using an efficient and cost-effective method. Characterized by a size of approximately of 114 nm and a negative zeta potential of -20.9 mV, FicoVes exhibited excellent biocompatibility and hemocompatibility, showing no reduction in the viability of human and animal cells. Our results showed that FicoVes possess significant antioxidant properties as they reduced ROS generation in TBH-stimulated cells. FicoVes displayed anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il 1β, TNF α) and enhancing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL4, IL10) following an inflammatory stimulus. Furthermore, FicoVes accelerated epithelial wound closure in L929 fibroblast monolayers in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting their potential role in tissue repair. This study establishes FicoVes as a promising candidate for nutrigenomic applications, particularly in the context of inflammation-related disorders and wound healing. Further research, including in vivo studies, is essential to validate these findings and fully explore their therapeutic potential.

Investigation of In Vitro Anti-cancer and Apoptotic Potential of Onion-Derived Nanovesicles Against Prostate and Cervical Cancer Cell Lines

Plant-derived compounds have recently garnered significant interest in the field of medicine due to their rich repertoire of phytochemicals, which holds promise for exploring novel therapies to treat cancer. This study embarks on the first-time investigation of the anti-cancerous effect of onion-derived nanovesicles (ODNVs). ODNVs were isolated employing differential centrifugation followed by ultracentrifugation and subsequent characterization using dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, we delineated the anti-cancerous effect of ODNVs on two cancer cell line models HeLa (cervical cancer) and PC-3 (prostate cancer) using MTT assay, DAPI-based DNA damage using immunofluorescence microscopy, colony formation assay, migration assay, cell cycle analysis, and evaluation of apoptosis using flow cytometry and western blotting. The findings revealed dose- and time-dependent anti-proliferative effects of ODNVs on both HeLa and PC3 cell lines, accompanied by selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Additional results highlighted that ODNVs prevented colony growth and induced S-phase cell cycle arrest. Apoptosis induction was evaluated through alterations in nuclear morphology and the number of apoptotic cells, which increased significantly after ODNV treatment in both cancer cell lines. Furthermore, annexin V/PI staining evaluation of apoptotic cells by flow cytometry demonstrated that ODNV treatment significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells in both PC-3 and HeLa cells. Finally, Western blot analysis indicated changes in apoptosis-related proteins including bcl-2, bax, and caspase-3, emphasizing that the anti-cancerous effect of ODNVs is attributed to the induction of apoptosis and suggests the  unexplored anti-cancerous potential of ODNVs.

Potential of Exosomes as Multifunctional Nanocarriers for Targeted Drug Delivery

Exosomes are small vesicles that form when multivesicular bodies fuse with the plasma membrane and are released into body fluids. They play a vital role in facilitating communication between cells by transferring different biomolecules, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids, over both short and long distances. They also function as vital mediators in both states of health and disease, exerting an impact on several physiological processes. Exosomes have been modified to overcome the limitations of natural exosomes to enhance their potential as carriers for drug delivery systems, and these modifications aim to improve the drug delivery efficiency, enhance tissue and organ targeting, and prolong the circulating half-life of exosomes. This review discussed recent advancements in exosome nanotechnology, as well as the progression and use of exosomes for drug delivery. The potential commercialisation and challenges associated with the use of exosome-based drug delivery systems were also discussed, aiming to motivate the development of exosome-based theranostic nanoplatforms and nanotechnology for improved healthcare treatments.

Exosome-like nanoparticles derived from fruits, vegetables, and herbs: innovative strategies of therapeutic and drug delivery

Over the past ten years, significant advancements have been made in exploring plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PELNs) for disease therapeutics and drug delivery. PELNs, as inherent nanoscale particles comprised of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and secondary metabolites, exhibit the capacity for cellular uptake by human cells. This intercellular interaction transcends biological boundaries, effectively influencing biological functions in animals. PELNs have outstanding biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, enhanced safety, and environmentally friendly sustainability. This article summarized the preparation methods and characteristics of PELNs. It provided a systematic review of the varied roles of PELNs derived from fruits, vegetables, and herbs in disease therapeutics and drug delivery. The challenges in their production and application were discussed, and future prospects in this rapidly evolving field were explored.

Exosome prospects in the diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The growing prevalence of NAFLD and its global health burden have provoked considerable research on possible diagnostic and therapeutic options for NAFLD. Although various pathophysiological mechanisms and genetic factors have been identified to be associated with NAFLD, its treatment remains challenging. In recent years, exosomes have attracted widespread attention for their role in metabolic dysfunctions and their efficacy as pathological biomarkers. Exosomes have also shown tremendous potential in treating a variety of disorders. With increasing evidence supporting the significant role of exosomes in NAFLD pathogenesis, their theragnostic potential has become a point of interest in NAFLD. Expectedly, exosome-based treatment strategies have shown promise in the prevention and amelioration of NAFLD in preclinical studies. However, there are still serious challenges in preparing, standardizing, and applying exosome-based therapies as a routine clinical option that should be overcome. Due to the great potential of this novel theragnostic agent in NAFLD, further investigations on their safety, clinical efficacy, and application standardization are highly recommended.

Exosomes, and the potential for exosome-based interventions against COVID-19

Since late 2019, the world has been devastated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with more than 760 million people affected and ∼seven million deaths reported. Although effective treatments for COVID-19 are currently limited, there has been a strong focus on developing new therapeutic approaches to address the morbidity and mortality linked to this disease. An approach that is currently being investigated is the use of exosome-based therapies. Exosomes are small, extracellular vesicles that play a role in many clinical diseases, including viral infections, infected cells release exosomes that can transmit viral components, such as miRNAs and proteins, and can also include receptors for viruses that facilitate viral entry into recipient cells. SARS-CoV-2 has the ability to impact the formation, secretion, and release of exosomes, thereby potentially facilitating or intensifying the transmission of the virus among cells, tissues and individuals. Therefore, designing synthetic exosomes that carry immunomodulatory cargo and antiviral compounds are proposed to be a promising strategy for the treatment of COVID-19 and other viral diseases. Moreover, exosomes generated from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) might be employed as cell-free therapeutic agents, as MSC-derived exosomes can diminish the cytokine storm and reverse the suppression of host anti-viral defences associated with COVID-19, and boost the repair of lung damage linked to mitochondrial activity. The present article discusses the significance and roles of exosomes in COVID-19, and explores potential future applications of exosomes in combating this disease. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, exosome-based therapies could represent a promising avenue for improving patient outcomes and reducing the impact of this disease.

Before Translating Extracellular Vesicles into Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics: What We Could Do

Extracellular vesicle (EV) research is rapidly advancing from fundamental science to translational applications in EV-based personalized therapeutics and diagnostics. Yet, fundamental questions persist regarding EV biology and mechanisms, particularly concerning the heterogeneous interactions between EVs and cells. While we have made strides in understanding virus delivery and intracellular vesicle transport, our comprehension of EV trafficking remains limited. EVs are believed to mediate intercellular communication through cargo transfer, but uncertainties persist regarding the occurrence and quantification of EV-cargo delivery within acceptor cells. This ambiguity is crucial to address, given the significant translational impact of EVs on therapeutics and diagnostics. This perspective article does not seek to provide exhaustive recommendations and guidance on EV-related studies, as these are well-articulated in position papers and statements by the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV), including the 'Minimum Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles' (MISEV) 2014, MISEV2018, and the recent MISEV2023. Instead, recognizing the multilayered heterogeneity of EVs as both a challenge and an opportunity, this perspective emphasizes novel approaches to facilitate our understanding of diverse EV biology, address uncertainties, and leverage this knowledge to advance EV-based personalized diagnostics and therapeutics. Specifically, this perspective synthesizes current insights, identifies opportunities, and highlights exciting technological advancements in ultrasensitive single EV or "digital" profiling developed within the author's multidisciplinary group. These newly developed technologies address technical gaps in dissecting the molecular contents of EV subsets, contributing to the evolution of EVs as next-generation liquid biopsies for diagnostics and providing better quality control for EV-based therapeutics.

Olea europaea leaf exosome-like nanovesicles encapsulated in a hyaluronic acid / tannic acid hydrogel dressing with dual "defense-repair" effects for treating skin photoaging

Photoaging, primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) light, is the major factor in extrinsic skin aging. Existing anti-photoaging strategies mainly focus on early sun protection or repairing damaged skin, lacking a comprehensive treatment strategy. Therefore, this study developed a dressing that actively shields against UV radiation and repairs photoaged skin, offering double protection. This study utilized exosome-like nanovesicles derived from Olea europaea leaves (OLELNVs), enhancing them into a potent core biomaterial with high-dose effects and skin-friendly, non-cytotoxic inhibition of cell aging. These nanovesicles were incorporated into a cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) and tannic acid (TA) hydrogel with strong UV-absorbing properties, creating the OLELNVs@HA/TA hydrogel system. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that OLELNVs@HA/TA hydrogel can effectively reduce UV-induced skin damage and promote skin repair and regeneration. Additionally, RNA-seq and clustering analysis of miR168a-5p predicted targets revealed significant down-regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, mediating inflammatory aging responses. Overall, the OLELNVs@HA/TA hydrogel represents a novel dual-strategy approach for clinical application in combating photoaging.

Unlocking the Medicinal Potential of Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: current Progress and Future Perspectives

Botanical preparations for herbal medicine have received more and more attention from drug researchers, and the extraction of active ingredients and their successful clinical application have become an important direction of drug research in major pharmaceutical companies, but the complexity of extracts, multiple side effects, and significant individual differences have brought many difficulties to the clinical application of herbal preparations. It is noteworthy that extracellular vesicles as active biomolecules extracted from medicinal plants are believed to be useful for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancer, inflammation, regenerative-restorative and degenerative diseases, which may provide a new direction for the clinical utilization of herbal preparations. In this review, we sort out recent advances in medicinal plant extracellular vesicles and discuss their potential as disease therapeutics. Finally, future challenges and research directions for the clinical translation of medicinal plant extracellular vesicles are also discussed, and we expect that continued development based on medicinal plant extracellular vesicles will facilitate the clinical application of herbal preparations.

Exosomes in diagnostic and therapeutic applications of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer accounts for more deaths than any other female reproductive tract cancer. The major reasons for the high mortality rates include delayed diagnoses and drug resistance. Hence, improved diagnostic and therapeutic options for ovarian cancer are a pressing need. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), that include exosomes provide hope in both diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. They are natural lipid nanovesicles secreted by all cell types and carry molecules that reflect the status of the parent cell. This facilitates their potential use as biomarkers for an early diagnosis. Additionally, EVs can be loaded with exogenous cargo, and have features such as high stability and favorable pharmacokinetic properties. This makes them ideal for tumor-targeted delivery of biological moieties. The International Society of Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) based on the Minimal Information for Studies on Extracellular Vesicles (MISEV) recommends the usage of the term "small extracellular vesicles (sEVs)" that includes exosomes for particles that are 30-200 nm in size. However, majority of the studies reported in the literature and relevant to this review have used the term "exosomes". Therefore, this review will use the term "exosomes" interchangeably with sEVs for consistency with the literature and avoid confusion to the readers. This review, initially summarizes the different isolation and detection techniques developed to study ovarian cancer-derived exosomes and the potential use of these exosomes as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of this devastating disease. It addresses the role of exosome contents in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer, discusses strategies to limit exosome-mediated ovarian cancer progression, and provides options to use exosomes for tumor-targeted therapy in ovarian cancer. Finally, it states future research directions and recommends essential research needed to successfully transition exosomes from the laboratory to the gynecologic-oncology clinic.

Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles: A novel nanotool for disease therapy

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles comprising bilayer phospholipid membranes and are secreted by eukaryotic cells. They are released via cellular exocytosis, contain DNA, RNA, proteins, and other substances, and participate in various cellular communications between tissues and organs. Since the discovery of exosomes in 1983, animal-derived exosomes have become a research focus for small-molecule drug delivery in biology, medicine, and other fields owing to their good biocompatibility and homing effects. Recent studies have found that plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNVs) exhibit certain biological effects, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor abilities, and have minimal toxic side effects. Because they are rich in active lipid molecules with certain pharmacological effects, PELNVs could be novel carriers for drug delivery. In this review, the biological formation and effects, isolation, and extraction of PELNVs, as well as characteristics of transporting drugs as carriers are summarized to provide new ideas and methods for future research on plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles.

Plant-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles: A new tool for inflammatory bowel disease and colitis-associated cancer treatment

Long-term use of conventional drugs to treat inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colitis-associated cancer (CAC) has an adverse impact on the human immune system and easily leads to drug resistance, highlighting the urgent need to develop novel biotherapeutic tools with improved activity and limited side effects. Numerous products derived from plant sources have been shown to exert antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects. Plant-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles (PDVLNs) are natural nanocarriers containing lipids, protein, DNA and microRNA (miRNA) with the ability to enter mammalian cells and regulate cellular activity. PDVLNs have significant potential in immunomodulation of macrophages, along with regulation of intestinal microorganisms and friendly antioxidant activity, as well as overcoming drug resistance. PDVLNs have utility as effective drug carriers and potential modification, with improved drug stability. Since immune function, intestinal microorganisms, and antioxidative stress are commonly targeted key phenomena in the treatment of IBD and CAC, PDVLNs offer a novel therapeutic tool. This review provides a summary of the latest advances in research on the sources and extraction methods, applications and mechanisms in IBD and CAC therapy, overcoming drug resistance, safety, stability, and clinical application of PDVLNs. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects of PDVLN-based treatment of IBD and CAC are systematically discussed.

Establishing Salvia miltiorrhiza-Derived Exosome-like Nanoparticles and Elucidating Their Role in Angiogenesis

Exosomes are multifunctional, cell-derived nanoscale membrane vesicles. Exosomes derived from certain mammalian cells have been developed as angiogenesis promoters for the treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, as they possess the capability to enhance endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. However, the low yield of exosomes derived from mammalian cells limits their clinical applications. Therefore, we chose to extract exosome-like nanoparticles from the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza, which has been shown to promote angiogenesis. Salvia miltiorrhiza-derived exosome-like nanoparticles offer advantages, such as being economical, easily obtainable, and high-yielding, and have an ideal particle size, Zeta potential, exosome-like morphology, and stability. Salvia miltiorrhiza-derived exosome-like nanoparticles can enhance the cell viability of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells and can promote cell migration and improve the neovascularization of the cardiac tissues of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, indicating their potential as angiogenesis promoters for the treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

A review on separation and application of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles

Exosomes-like nanoparticles (ELNs) (exosomes or extracellular vesicles) are vesicle-like bodies secreted by cells. Plant ELNs (PENs) are membrane vesicles secreted by plant cells, with a lipid bilayer as the basic skeleton, enclosing various active substances such as proteins and nucleic acids, which have many physiological and pathological functions. Recent studies have found that the PENs are widespread within different plant species and their biological functions are increasingly recognized. The effective separation method is also necessary for its function and application. Ultracentrifugation, sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation, ultrafiltration, polymer-based precipitation methods, etc., are commonly used methods for plant exosome-like nanoparticle extraction. In recent years, emerging methods such as size exclusion chromatography, immunoaffinity capture-based technique, and microfluidic technology have shown advancements compared to traditional methods. The standardized separation process for PENs continues to evolve. In this review, we summarized the recent progress in the biogenesis, components, separation methods, and some functions of PENs. When the research on the separation method of PENs and their unique biological structure is further studied. A brand-new idea for the efficient separation and utilization of PENs can be provided in the future, which has a very broad prospect.

Applications of emerging extracellular vesicles technologies in the treatment of inflammatory diseases

The emerging extracellular vesicles technologies is an advanced therapeutic approach showing promising potential for addressing inflammatory diseases. These techniques have been proven to have positive effects on immune modulation and anti-inflammatory responses. With these advancements, a comprehensive review and update on the role of extracellular vesicles in inflammatory diseases have become timely. This review aims to summarize the research progress of extracellular vesicle technologies such as plant-derived extracellular vesicles, milk-derived extracellular vesicles, mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles, macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles, etc., in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. It elucidates their potential significance in regulating inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and treating diseases. The goal is to provide insights for future research in this field, fostering the application and development of extracellular vesicle technology in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Engineered Exosomes Loaded with Triptolide: An Innovative Approach to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy in Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Exosomes are small, membrane-bound vesicles secreted by cells into the extracellular environment. They play a crucial role in various biological processes, including immune response, cell-to-cell signaling, and tumor progression. Exosomes have attracted attention as potential targets for therapeutic intervention, drug delivery, and biomarker detection. In this study, we aimed to isolate exosomes from human RA fibroblasts (hRAF-Exo) and load them with triptolide (TP) to generate engineered exosomes (hRAF-Exo@TP).

METHODS

Transmission electron microscopy, particle size analysis, and western blotting for protein detection were employed to characterize hRAF-Exo. Furthermore, a murine model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was employed to observe the distinct affinity of hRAF-Exo@TP towards the afflicted area.

RESULTS

Cellular experiments demonstrated the inhibitory effect of hRAF-Exo@TP on the proliferative activity of human RA fibroblasts. Additionally, it exhibited remarkable selectivity for lesion sites in a CIA mouse model.

CONCLUSION

Exosomes loaded with TP may enhance the therapeutic effects on RA in mice. Our study provides a promising avenue for the treatment of RA in the future.

Extracellular vesicles for developing targeted hearing loss therapy

Substantial efforts have been made for local administration of small molecules or biologics in treating hearing loss diseases caused by either trauma, genetic mutations, or drug ototoxicity. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) naturally secreted from cells have drawn increasing attention on attenuating hearing impairment from both preclinical studies and clinical studies. Highly emerging field utilizing diverse bioengineering technologies for developing EVs as the bioderived therapeutic materials, along with artificial intelligence (AI)-based targeting toolkits, shed the light on the unique properties of EVs specific to inner ear delivery. This review will illuminate such exciting research field from fundamentals of hearing protective functions of EVs to biotechnology advancement and potential clinical translation of functionalized EVs. Specifically, the advancements in assessing targeting ligands using AI algorithms are systematically discussed. The overall translational potential of EVs is reviewed in the context of auditory sensing system for developing next generation gene therapy.

Extracellular vesicles and exosome-like nanovesicles as pioneering oral drug delivery systems

As extracellular vesicle (EV)-based nanotechnology has developed rapidly, it has made unprecedented opportunities for nanomedicine possible. EVs and exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNVs) are natural nanocarriers with unique structural, compositional, and morphological characteristics that provide excellent physical, chemical, and biochemical properties. In this literature, we examine the characteristics of EVs, including how they are administered orally and their therapeutic activity. According to the current examples of EVs and ELNVs for oral delivery, milk and plant EVs can exert therapeutic effects through their protein, nucleic acid, and lipid components. Furthermore, several methods for loading drugs into exosomes and targeting exosomes have been employed to investigate their therapeutic capability. Moreover, we discuss EVs as potential drug carriers and the potential role of ELNVs for disease prevention and treatment or as potential drug carriers in the future. In conclusion, the issues associated with the development of EVs and ELNVs from sources such as milk and plants, as well as concerns with standardized applications of these EVs, are discussed.

Prospects of plant-derived exosome-like nanocarriers in oncology and tissue engineering

Almost all cell types, either in vivo or in vitro, create extracellular vesicles (EVs). Among them are exosomes (EXOs), i.e., tiny nanovesicles containing a lipid bilayer, proteins, and RNAs that are actively involved in cellular communication, indicating that they may be exploited as both diagnostics and therapeutics for conditions like cancer. These nanoparticles can also be used as nanocarriers in many types of research to carry agents such as drugs. Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PENs) are currently under investigation as a substitute for EXOs formed from mammalian cells, allowing researchers to get beyond the technical constraints of mammalian vesicles. Because of their physiological, chemical, and biological properties, PENs have a lot of promise for use as nanocarriers in drug delivery systems that can deliver various dosages, especially when it comes to large-scale repeatability. The present study has looked at the origins and isolation techniques of PENs, their anticancer properties, their usage as nanocarriers in the treatment of different illnesses, and their antioxidant properties. These nanoparticles can aid in the achievement of therapeutic objectives, as they have benign, non-immunogenic side effects and can pass biological barriers. Time-consuming and perhaps damaging PEN separation techniques is used. For the current PEN separation techniques to be used in commercial and therapeutic settings, they must be altered. In this regard, the concurrent application of biological sciences can be beneficial for improving PEN separation techniques. PENs' innate metabolic properties provide them a great deal of promise for application in drug delivery systems. However, there could be a risk to both the loaded medications and the intrinsic bioactive components if these particles are heavily armed with drugs. Therefore, to prevent these side effects, more studies are needed to devise sophisticated drug-loading procedures and to learn more about the physiology of PENs.

Gut microbiome as therapeutic target for diabesity management: opportunity for nanonutraceuticals and associated challenges

Diabesity is showing rising prevalence. Current treatment modalities include pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, yet associated with various drawbacks. Recently, gut microbial dysbiosis is documented as a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of diabesity. Targeting gut microbiome using modulators shows promising therapeutic strategy for diabesity management. In this line, nanonutraceuticals represent new class of gut microbial modulators. The present article explores the potential of nanonutraceuticals including nanoprobiotics, nanoprebiotics, and plant-derived nanovesicles that are fabricated on the ecofriendly food based scaffold with gut microbial modulatory potential for diabesity management. A number of compelling evidences from different studies support Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Bacteroides genera and Lactobacillus plantarum and Akkermansia muciniphila species significant in diabesity management. The probable mechanisms reported for gut microbial dysbiosis-induced diabesity are mentioned. The review findings suggest gut microbiome as significant therapeutic target for diabesity management. Moreover, ecofriendly nanonutraceuticals developed using natural products including food-grade materials are efficient modulators of gut microbiome and indicate next-generation diabesity therapeutics. Clinical studies are imperative as further exploration may provide new dimensions to the future research.

Therapeutic potential and pharmacological significance of extracellular vesicles derived from traditional medicinal plants

Medicinal plants are the primary sources for the discovery of novel medicines and the basis of ethnopharmacological research. While existing studies mainly focus on the chemical compounds, there is little research about the functions of other contents in medicinal plants. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are functionally active, nanoscale, membrane-bound vesicles secreted by almost all eukaryotic cells. Intriguingly, plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) also have been implicated to play an important role in therapeutic application. PDEVs were reported to have physical and chemical properties similar to mammalian EVs, which are rich in lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and pharmacologically active compounds. Besides these properties, PDEVs also exhibit unique advantages, especially intrinsic bioactivity, high stability, and easy absorption. PDEVs were found to be transferred into recipient cells and significantly affect their biological process involved in many diseases, such as inflammation and tumors. PDEVs also could offer unique morphological and compositional characteristics as natural nanocarriers by innately shuttling bioactive lipids, RNA, proteins, and other pharmacologically active substances. In addition, PDEVs could effectively encapsulate hydrophobic and hydrophilic chemicals, remain stable, and cross stringent biological barriers. Thus, this study focuses on the pharmacological action and mechanisms of PDEVs in therapeutic applications. We also systemically deal with facets of PDEVs, ranging from their isolation to composition, biological functions, and biotherapeutic roles. Efforts are also made to elucidate recent advances in re-engineering PDEVs applied as stable, effective, and non-immunogenic therapeutic applications to meet the ever-stringent demands. Considering its unique advantages, these studies not only provide relevant scientific evidence on therapeutic applications but could also replenish and inherit precious cultural heritage.

Plant-Derived Vesicles: A New Era for Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery and Cancer Treatment

Lipid-structured vesicles have been applied for drug delivery system for over 50 years. Based on their origin, lipid-structured vesicles are divided into two main categories, namely synthetic lipid vesicles (SLNVEs) and vesicles of mammalian origin (MDVEs). Although SLNVEs can stably transport anti-cancer drugs, their biocompatibility is poor and degradation of exogenous substances is a potential risk. Unlike SLNVEs, MDVEs have excellent biocompatibility but are limited by a lack of stability and a risk of contamination by dangerous pathogens from donor cells. Since the first discovery of plant-derived vesicles (PDVEs) in carrot cell supernatants in 1967, emerging evidence has shown that PDVEs integrate the advantages of both SLNVEs and MDVEs. Notably, 55 years of dedicated research has indicated that PDVEs are an ideal candidate vesicle for drug preparation, transport, and disease treatment. The current review systematically focuses on the role of PDVEs in cancer therapy and in particular compares the properties of PDVEs with those of conventional lipid vesicles, summarizes the preparation methods and quality control of PDVEs, and discusses the application of PDVEs in delivering anti-cancer drugs and their underlying molecular mechanisms for cancer therapy. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of PDVEs for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against cancer are discussed.

Extracellular Vesicles and Bacteriophages: New Directions in Environmental Biocolloid Research

There is a long-standing appreciation among environmental engineers and scientists regarding the importance of biologically derived colloidal particles and their environmental fate. This interest has been recently renewed in considering bacteriophages and extracellular vesicles, which are each poised to offer engineers unique insights into fundamental aspects of environmental microbiology and novel approaches for engineering applications, including advances in wastewater treatment and sustainable agricultural practices. Challenges persist due to our limited understanding of interactions between these nanoscale particles with unique surface properties and their local environments. This review considers these biological particles through the lens of colloid science with attention given to their environmental impact and surface properties. We discuss methods developed for the study of inert (nonbiological) particle-particle interactions and the potential to use these to advance our understanding of the environmental fate and transport of extracellular vesicles and bacteriophages.

Extraction, Isolation, and Component Analysis of Turmeric-Derived Exosome-like Nanoparticles

As one kind of plant-derived extracellular vesicle, turmeric-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (TELNs) are composed of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and small-molecule compounds, which possess good biocompatibility and safety. They are especially rich in information from the "mother plant", which provides more applications in biological fields. In this study, we isolated and purified TELNs using differential centrifugation and ultracentrifugation and systematically detected their physicochemical properties using multi-omics. The TELNs possessed a typical teacup-like exosome morphology, and the extraction rate was approximately 1.71 ± 0.176 mg/g. The average particle size was 183.2 ± 10.9 nm, and the average zeta potential was -17.6 ± 1.19 mV. They were rich in lipids, mainly phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (17.4%), triglyceride (TG) (12.3%), phosphatidylinositol (PI) (9.82%), and phosphatidylcholine (PC) (7.93%). All of them are the key lipids in the exosomes. The protein content was approximately 12% (M/M), mainly curcumin synthase and other proteins involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis. In addition, there are critical essential genes for curcumin biosynthesis, such as curcumin synthase (CURS) and diketocoenzyme A synthase (DCS). More importantly, a greater variety of small-molecule compounds, primarily curcumin and curcumin analogs such as demethoxycurcumin and volatile oleoresins such as curcuminoids, have now been revealed. In conclusion, TELNs were successfully isolated, containing 0.17% (M/M) turmeric and a large amount of chemical information, the same as the parent-of-origin plant. This is the first time combining multi-omics to analyze the characteristics and nature of the TELNs, which laid a solid material foundation for the further development of turmeric.

Artificially induced in situ macrophage polarization: An emerging cellular therapy for immuno-inflammatory diseases

Macrophages are the mature form of monocytes that have high plasticity and can shift from one phenotype to another by the process of macrophage polarization. Macrophage has several vital pharmacological tasks like eliminating microorganism invasion, clearing dead cells, causing inflammation, repairing damaged tissues, etc. The function of macrophages is based on their phenotype. M1 macrophages are mostly responsible for the body's immune responses and M2 macrophages have healing properties. Inappropriate activation of any one of the phenotypes often leads to ROS-induced tissue damage and affects wound healing and angiogenesis. Therefore, maintaining tissue macrophage homeostasis is necessary. Studies are being done to find techniques for macrophage polarization. But, the process of macrophage polarization is very complex as it involves multiple signalling pathways involving innate immunity. Thus, identifying the right pathways for macrophage polarization is essential to apply the polarizing technique for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases where macrophage physiology influences the disease pathology. In this review, we highlighted the various techniques so far used to change macrophage plasticity. We believe that soon macrophage targeting therapeutics will hit the market for the management of inflammatory disease. Hence this review will help macrophage researchers choose suitable methods and materials/agents to polarize macrophages artificially in various disease models.

Apple-derived extracellular vesicles modulate the expression of human intestinal bile acid transporter ASBT/SLC10A2 via downregulation of transcription factor RARα

PURPOSE

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been reported to exert biological activity on intestinal tissues by delivering their contents into intestinal cells. We previously reported that ASBT/SLC10A2 mRNA was downregulated by apple-derived extracellular vesicles (APEVs). ASBT downregulation is effective in the treatment of cholestasis and chronic constipation, similar to the beneficial effects of apples. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the mechanism of ASBT downregulation by APEVs, focusing on microRNAs present in APEVs.

RESULTS

APEVs downregulated the expression of ASBT, but no significant effect on SLC10A2-3'UTR was observed. Proteomics revealed that APEVs decreased the expression of RARα/NR1B1. The binding of RARα to SLC10A2 promoter was also decreased by APEVs. The stability of NR1B1 mRNA was attenuated by APEVs and its 3'UTR was found to be a target for APEVs. Apple microRNAs that were predicted to interact with NR1B1-3'UTR were present in APEVs, and their mimics suppressed NR1B1 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Suppression of ASBT by APEVs was indirectly mediated by the downregulation of RARα, and its stability was lowered by microRNAs present in APEVs. This study suggested that macromolecules in food directly affect intestinal function by means of EVs that stabilize them and facilitate their cellular uptake.

Advances in the Study of Plant-Derived Vesicle-Like Nanoparticles in Inflammatory Diseases

All humans are universally affected by inflammatory diseases, and there is an urgent need to identify new anti-inflammatory drugs with good therapeutic benefits and minimal side effects to the organism. Recently, it has been found that plant-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles (PDVLNs) have good biocompatibility, with their active ingredients exhibiting good therapeutic effects on inflammation. They can also be used as drug carriers for targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs. Therefore, PDVLNs represent a popular research area for novel anti-inflammatory drugs. This paper details the origin, biological functions, isolation and purification, and identification of PDVLNs, as well as the therapeutic effects of their intrinsic bioactive components on inflammatory diseases. It also introduces their targets as drug carriers to facilitate the development and application of PDVLNs anti-inflammatory drugs.

Plant and mammalian-derived extracellular vesicles: a new therapeutic approach for the future

Background: In recent years, extracellular vesicles have been recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication through the transfer of active biomolecules (proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) across the plant and animal kingdoms and have considerable roles in several physiological and pathological mechanisms, showing great promise as new therapeutic strategies for a variety of pathologies. Methods: In this study, we carefully reviewed the numerous articles published over the last few decades on the general knowledge of extracellular vesicles, their application in the therapy of various pathologies, and their prospects as an approach for the future. Results: The recent discovery and characterization of extracellular vesicles (EVs) of diverse origins and biogenesis have altered the current paradigm of intercellular communication, opening up new diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives. Research into these EVs released by plant and mammalian cells has revealed their involvement in a number of physiological and pathological mechanisms, such as embryonic development, immune response, tissue regeneration, and cancer. They are also being studied as potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis and vectors for drug delivery. Conclusion: Nanovesicles represent powerful tools for intercellular communication and the transfer of bioactive molecules. Their molecular composition and functions can vary according to their origin (plant and mammalian), so their formation, composition, and biological roles open the way to therapeutic applications in a variety of pathologies, which is arousing growing interest in the scientific community. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03608631.

Plant-Derived Exosome-Like Nanovesicles: Current Progress and Prospects

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles, ranging in size from 30-150nm, which can be derived from various types of cells. In recent years, mammalian-derived exosomes have been extensively studied and found to play a crucial role in regulating intercellular communication, thereby influencing the development and progression of numerous diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine has employed plant-based remedies for thousands of years, and an increasing body of evidence suggests that plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNs) share similarities with mammalian-derived exosomes in terms of their structure and function. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in the study of PELNs and their potential implications for human health. Specifically, we summarize the roles of PELNs in respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and other diseases. Furthermore, we have extensively investigated the potential shortcomings and challenges in current research regarding the mechanism of action, safety, administration routes, isolation and extraction methods, characterization and identification techniques, as well as drug-loading capabilities. Based on these considerations, we propose recommendations for future research directions. Overall, our review highlights the potential of PELNs as a promising area of research, with broad implications for the treatment of human diseases. We anticipate continued interest in this area and hope that our summary of recent findings will stimulate further exploration into the implications of PELNs for human health.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity and Drug Delivery Potential of Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles from Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. 'Dahongpao'

Plant extracellular vesicles (PEVs) have attracted increasing attention due to their rich composition, good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and ability to transport drugs. As a common fruit, citrus is an ideal material for extracting PEVs because of the diversity and abundance of bioactive substances in it. In our study, citrus-derived extracellular vesicles (CEVs) were extracted from red mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. 'Dahongpao') and it was found that they contain high levels of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. The high levels of total phenols and total flavonoids suggest that CEVs have good chemical antioxidant properties. We also demonstrated through cell experiments that CEVs have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, we found that CEVs have an encapsulation rate of 71.5 ± 0.19% and a high drug-carrying capacity of 4.96 ± 0.22% and can enhance antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity when loaded with tangeretin. Our results show that CEVs contain abundant bioactive components, have low toxicity, exhibit good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and can serve as drug delivery agents. This study has important implications for utilizing citrus materials and developing natural anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory biomaterials.

Plant-derived nanomaterials (PDNM): a review on pharmacological potentials against pathogenic microbes, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and some metabolic diseases

Plant-derived nanomaterials (PDNM) have gained significant attention recently due to their potential pharmacological applications against pathogenic microbes, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and certain metabolic diseases. This review introduces the concept of PDNMs and their unique properties, including their small size, high surface area, and ability to penetrate biological barriers. Besides various methods for synthesizing PDNMs, such as green synthesis techniques that utilize plant extracts and natural compounds, the advantages of using plant-derived materials, such as their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity, were elucidated. In addition, it examines the recent and emerging trends in nanomaterials derived from plant approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance and metabolic diseases. The sizes of nanomaterials and their surface areas are vital as they play essential roles in the interactions and relationships between these materials and the biological components or organization. We critically analyze the biomedical applications of nanoparticles which include antibacterial composites for implantable devices and nanosystems to combat antimicrobial resistance, enhance antibiotic delivery, and improve microbial diagnostic/detection systemsIn addition, plant extracts can potentially interfere with metabolic syndrome pathways; hence most nano-formulations can reduce chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, lipid profile, and antimicrobial resistance. As a result, these innovative plant-based nanosystems may be a promising contender for various pharmacological applications.

Edible exosome-like nanoparticles from portulaca oleracea L mitigate DSS-induced colitis via facilitating double-positive CD4+CD8+T cells expansion

Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDENs) have been paid great attention in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). As a proof of concept, we isolated and identified Portulaca oleracea L-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PELNs) from edible Portulaca oleracea L, which exhibited desirable nano-size (~ 160 nm) and a negative zeta potential value (-31.4 mV). Oral administration of PELNs effectively suppressed the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-1β) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and alleviated acute colitis in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced C57 mice and IL-10-/- mice. Notably, PELNs exhibited excellent stability and safety within the gastrointestinal tract and displayed specific targeting to inflamed sites in the colons of mice. Mechanistically, oral administration of PELNs played a crucial role in maintaining the diversity and balance of gut microbiota. Furthermore, PELNs treatment enhanced Lactobacillus reuteri growth and elevated indole derivative levels, which might activate the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in conventional CD4+ T cells. This activation downregulated Zbtb7b expression, leading to the reprogramming of conventional CD4+ T cells into double-positive CD4+CD8+T cells (DP CD4+CD8+ T cells). In conclusion, our findings highlighted the potential of orally administered PELNs as a novel, natural, and colon-targeted agent, offering a promising therapeutic approach for managing UC. Schematic illustration of therapeutic effects of oral Portulaca oleracea L -derived natural exosome-like nanoparticles (PELNs) on UC. PELNs treatment enhanced Lactobacillus reuteri growth and elevated indole derivative levels, which activate the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in conventional CD4+ T cells leading to downregulate the expression of Zbtb7b, reprogram of conventional CD4+ T cells into double-positive CD4+CD8+T cells (DP CD4+CD8+ T cells), and decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Aloe-derived nanovesicles attenuate inflammation and enhance tight junction proteins for acute colitis treatment

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that causes pain and weight loss and also increases the risk of colon cancer. Inspired by the benefits of plant-derived nanovesicles and aloe, we herein report aloe-derived nanovesicles, including aloe vera-derived nanovesicles (VNVs), aloe arborescens-derived nanovesicles (ANVs), and aloe saponaria-derived nanovesicles (SNVs) and evaluate their therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute experimental colitis mouse model. Aloe-derived nanovesicles not only facilitate markedly reduced DSS-induced acute colonic inflammation, but also enable the restoration of tight junction (TJ) and adherent junction (AJ) proteins to prevent gut permeability in DSS-induced acute colonic injury. These therapeutic effects are ascribed to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of aloe-derived nanovesicles. Therefore, aloe-derived nanovesicles are a safe treatment option for IBD.

Nanoscale Phytosomes as an Emerging Modality for Cancer Therapy

Extracellular vesicle (EV) research has expanded substantially over the years. EVs have been identified in all living organisms and are produced and released as a means of intercellular communication or as a defense mechanism. Recently, nano-scaled vesicles were successfully isolated from edible plant sources. Plant-derived EVs, referred to here as phytosomes, are of a size reported to range between 30 nm and 120 nm in diameter, similar to small mammalian extracellular vesicles, and carry various bioactive molecules such as mRNA, proteins, miRNA and lipids. Due to the availability of many plants, phytosomes can be easily isolated on a large scale. The methods developed for EV isolation from mammalian cells have been successfully applied for isolation and purification of phytosomes. The therapeutic effects of phytosomes on different disease models, such as inflammation and autoimmune disease, have been reported, and a handful of studies have suggested their therapeutic effects on cancer diseases. Overall, the research on phytosomes is still in its infancy and requires more exploration. This review will narrate the anti-cancer activity and characteristics of phytosomes derived from edible plants as well as describe studies which have utilized phytosomes as drug delivery vehicles for cancer with the ultimate objective of significantly reducing the adverse effects associated with conventional therapeutic approaches.