Plant-derived exosomes: A new frontier in nano-medicine for cancer and microbial infection therapy

Abstract

Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles secreted by cells, have emerged as pivotal players in cell-to-cell communication. Plant-derived exosomes, in particular, are gaining attention for their potential therapeutic applications in nano-medicine. These vesicles are naturally occurring nanoparticles that carry bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, and ability to traverse biological barriers, plant-derived exosomes present a promising alternative to synthetic nanoparticles for drug delivery, especially in cancer and microbial infection therapy. Exosomes are secreted by almost every cell and are profusely present in all living organisms, making them excellent candidates for a large spectrum of research and applications. This paper describes the highly organized and regulated biosynthesis of exosomes and the prospects of their application in cancer therapy and treatment of microbial infections.

Keywords

cancer / microbial infection / multivesicular body / nano-medicine / plant derived exosomes

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RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2024 The Authors. Clinical and Translational Discovery published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics.