Exosome surface modification and functionalization: a narrative review of emerging technologies and their application potential in precision medicine
Tianhui Chao, Jingjing Zhao, Ruifang Gao, Huan Wang, Jianrong Guo, Zhengliang Gao, Yue Wang
Abstract
Exosomes is an important tool for intercellular communication, and have gained prominence in medical research in recent years. These tiny vesicles can deliver biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and RNA between cells and thus play a role in a variety of biological processes. In addition, exosomes from different cellular sources or with different extramembranous factors or components show significant differences in their functions. The surface modification of exosomes plays a crucial role in their function and biological activity, which can compensate for the limitations of natural exosomes; thus, the development of surface modification technology has led to new possibilities for their application in the field of medicine. In addition, exosomes are used as carriers for drug delivery, and modification of their surface structure also enhances drug loading and optimizes the delivery process. Therefore, this review attempts to summarize the functions and applications of exosomes in the field of precision medicine by chemical surface modification, genetic engineering, and synthetic methods. In the field of precision medicine, exosomes can deliver information through targeted modification and the encapsulation of proteins or genetic information, thereby enhancing the selectivity of exosomes to receptor cells, increasing the concentration of drugs in the lesion site, reducing toxicity and side effects, and maximizing the therapeutic effect. In conclusion, surface modification of exosomes not only expands their application scope in the field of precision medicine but also provides new ideas and methods for future clinical treatment.