Nowadays extensive research is going on modifying exosomes and using them as potential drug delivery vehicles. But if I am not wrong, lipososmes and some other natural nano-particles are some of the promising drug delivery vehicles which can be synthesized in a large number in vitro. So the major question comes that why researchers are opting for exosomes, which are very difficult to isolate?
Hi,
In reply to your question: "why researchers prefer exosomes over other drug delivery systems" we should note the followings:
1. A simple Google Scholar search shows that since 2018 there has been about 2400 publications on "exosomes" and their utilization as "drug delivery" vehicles while this number is more than 20,000 for liposomes and nanoliposomes only. If we add other carrier systems to the search the number will be significantly higher for non-exosomal vehicles. This indicates that majority of researchers in the field still prefer other drug carrier technologies.
2. The attractiveness of exosomes application in drug delivery include low immunogenicity, high biocompatibility, organotropism and high drug delivery efficacy. All these attributes are also provided by liposomes and nanoliposomes once correct ingredients are used in their manufacture.
3. Cost effectiveness: the cost of formulation of a controlled release, targetable drug delivery system for the intended application need to be seriously taken into account in addition to the above-mentioned criteria. Obviously, an optimum therapeutic formulation which can not be afforded by patients of health organizations will be doomed to failure.
There are some literature comparing exosomes with other drug encapsulation and delivery systems which you may find useful. Below are a couple of them for your attention:
Lipid bilayer nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a glance at liposomes and exosomes
Y Zhou, H Schwarz - International Journal of Clinical …, 2018
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Nanoparticles, liposomes and exosomes as microRNA delivery systems for neurodegenerative disease: remyelination inductors in multiple sclerosis
I Osorio-Querejeta, A Ayerdi… - Journal of …, 2018
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Comparison of exosome-mimicking liposomes with conventional liposomes for intracellular delivery of siRNA
M Lu, X Zhao, H Xing, Z Xun, S Zhu, L Lang… - International journal of …, 2018 - Elsevier
Thank you M. R. Mozafari for your answer in an elaborated way. These articles are really helpful.
Hi Sasmita Samal
You are very welcome. Let me know if you have any comments or questions on our articles.
Hi Sasmita Samal ,
Yes, the large scale production of exosomes is a challenge that many are now approaching. Additional key reasons some are looking toward exosomes as a potential drug delivery system is the ability to isolate autologous or genetically engineered vesicles with a potentially more innate structure, chemistry and cargo.
Regards. Jason
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