Exosome

Exosome refers to small extracellular vesicles measuring 30-150 nanometres released by cells through endosomal pathway fusion with plasma membranes, containing diverse cargo including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and metabolites that mediate intercellular communication. These naturally occurring nanovesicles participate in numerous physiological and pathological processes including immune responses, tissue repair, cancer progression, and neurodegeneration.

The biopharmaceutical industry explores exosomes across multiple therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Drug delivery research investigates exosomes as natural nanocarriers potentially improving targeted delivery and crossing the blood-brain barrier. Biomarker development analyses exosomal content in liquid biopsies detecting cancer mutations, monitoring disease progression, or predicting treatment responses through minimally invasive blood draws. Manufacturing challenges include scalable production, standardised isolation, and comprehensive characterisation demonstrating consistency. Regulatory frameworks for exosome therapeutics remain evolving. As understanding grows regarding exosome biology and loading technologies improve, exosome applications expand offering innovative approaches to drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and diagnostics.