Hydrogel-Exosome Synergistic System: Mechanisms, Applications and Future Prospects in Regenerative Medicine

Abstract

Hydrogels and exosomes are mutually beneficial and thus can be combined for regenerative medicine and innovative therapies. This strategy takes advantages of hydrogels to enhance the therapeutic potential of exosomes. Hydrogels offer numerous therapeutic and regenerative advantages, such as tailorable mechanical properties, supportive extracellular matrix-like microenvironment, superior biocompatibility, rapid responses to environmental stimuli, and the ability to encapsulate and control the release of therapeutic agents. These attributes can be utilized to enable the long-acting delivery of exosomes. Exosomes, the small nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by cells, carry bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, mediate intercellular communication and modulate cellular behaviors. The integration of hydrogels and exosomes represents a transformative approach in regenerative medicine, leveraging their synergistic properties to enhance tissue repair and regeneration. This combination has shown remarkable potential in addressing challenges like slow wound healing, cartilage defects, and neuronal injury. Recent advancements include the development of smart hydrogels that respond to environmental stimuli (e.g., pH, temperature) to control exosome release, optimizing therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, exosome engineering for enhanced cargo loading and/or targeting capabilities further improves precisional regenerative medicine. This review explores the latest progress, challenges, and future directions in harnessing hydrogels and exosomes for innovative regenerative medicine and therapeutic applications.