Issue 10, 2024

Exosomes encapsulated in hydrogels for effective central nervous system drug delivery

Abstract

The targeted delivery of pharmacologically active molecules, metabolites, and growth factors to the brain parenchyma has become one of the major challenges following the onset of neurodegeneration and pathological conditions. The therapeutic effect of active biomolecules is significantly impaired after systemic administration in the central nervous system (CNS) because of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic approaches capable of overcoming these limitations is under discussion. Exosomes (Exo) are nano-sized vesicles of endosomal origin that have a high distribution rate in biofluids. Recent advances have introduced Exo as naturally suitable bio-shuttles for the delivery of neurotrophic factors to the brain parenchyma. In recent years, many researchers have attempted to regulate the delivery of Exo to target sites while reducing their removal from circulation. The encapsulation of Exo in natural and synthetic hydrogels offers a valuable strategy to address the limitations of Exo, maintaining their integrity and controlling their release at a desired site. Herein, we highlight the current and novel approaches related to the application of hydrogels for the encapsulation of Exo in the field of CNS tissue engineering.

Graphical abstract: Exosomes encapsulated in hydrogels for effective central nervous system drug delivery

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
23 Jun 2023
Accepted
12 Feb 2024
First published
14 Feb 2024

Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 2561-2578

Exosomes encapsulated in hydrogels for effective central nervous system drug delivery

Z. Zakeri, M. Heiderzadeh, A. Kocaarslan, E. Metin, S. N. Hosseini Karimi, S. Saghati, A. Vural, G. Akyoldaş, K. Baysal, Y. Yağcı, Y. Gürsoy-Özdemir, S. Taşoğlu, R. Rahbarghazi and E. Sokullu, Biomater. Sci., 2024, 12, 2561 DOI: 10.1039/D3BM01055D

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