Exosomes

In recent years, the discovery of exosomes has opened up new avenues for understanding intercellular communication and advancing therapeutic interventions in the biomedical field. BOC Sciences has long recognized the significance of exosomes and their potential applications across various domains, including regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and cosmetics development. We have delved deep into the complexity of exosomes, exploring their composition, functions, and therapeutic implications. Moreover, we are dedicated to further investigating and developing innovative exosomes delivery systems, which have been successfully applied to deliver various drugs, particularly nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) therapeutics.

What are Exosomes?

Exosomes are small, single-membrane, secreted organelles approximately 30 to 200 nanometers in diameter, possessing the same topology as cells and enriched in selected proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and glycoproteins. They contain a variety of membrane-associated, high-order oligomeric protein complexes, displaying notable molecular heterogeneity, and are formed by budding at both plasma and endosome membranes. Exosome biogenesis serves as a mechanism for protein quality control, and upon release, exosomes exhibit diverse activities, including remodeling the extracellular matrix and transmitting signals and molecules to other cells. This intercellular vesicle trafficking pathway plays critical roles in many aspects of human health and disease, including development, immunity, tissue homeostasis, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, viruses utilize exosome biogenesis pathways for assembling infectious particles and establishing host permissiveness. Based on these and other properties, exosomes are being developed as therapeutic agents in various disease models.

Figure 1. Exosomes are rich in tetraspanins, adhesion molecules, enzymes, scaffolds, RNA-binding proteins, RNAs, DNAs, and complex glycans. (D, M. Pegtel.; et al, 2019)

Exosomes for Drug Delivery

The unique properties of exosomes make them promising candidates for therapeutic applications. These vesicles can be designed to transport therapeutic cargo, including drugs, nucleic acids and proteins, to target cells or tissues. In addition, exosomes exhibit inherent biocompatibility, stability and low immunogenicity, making them attractive drug delivery vehicles.

BOC Sciences' Exosome DNA/RNA Delivery Service

BOC Sciences offers state-of-the-art exosome drug delivery services to meet the diverse needs of our clients in nucleic acid (eg. siRNA) delivery. Our expert team specializes in the isolation, characterization, and engineering of exosomes for targeted drug delivery applications. We are dedicated to providing tailor-made nucleic acid delivery solutions aimed at enhancing drug efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. Through the utilization of cutting-edge technologies and rigorous quality control measures, we ensure the safety and efficacy of exosome therapy. Our comprehensive services encompass the entire process, from exosome isolation and characterization to the development of customized delivery strategies tailored to each client's specific requirements. With our commitment to innovation and excellence, we strive to advance the field of nucleic acid drug delivery and contribute to the development of effective therapeutics for various diseases. BOC Sciences' exosome delivery systems are designed to accommodate the delivery of all nucleic acid types, with the following conventional types available.

• Here are the sources of exosomes at BOC Sciences for your choosing.

Exosome siRNA Delivery

Specifically, we have proprietary exosomal siRNA delivery solutions that have successfully assisted our customers in the development of gene therapies and innovative drug delivery systems. We offer customizable exosomes loaded with siRNA. Firstly, we can design and synthesize siRNA targeting specific genes, and then load them into exosomes. If you already have candidate siRNA drugs, we will assist you in preparing exosomes loaded with RNA. Our service process include:

• Design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of siRNA
• Transfection of siRNA into stable host cells to generate targeted exosomes
• Isolation and purification of exosomes loaded with siRNA
• Characterization and safety evaluation of exosomes (viral, endotoxin, bacterial, chlamydial, etc.)

Through these comprehensive services, we aim to provide tailored solutions for nucleic acid drug delivery, facilitating the development of effective therapeutics while minimizing off-target effects. We strive to contribute to the advancement of nucleic acid-based medicine and its applications in treating various diseases.

Exosomal Forms Available at BOC Sciences

Applications of Exosome RNA Delivery Service

Exosomes serve as effective carriers for RNA delivery, holding tremendous potential in gene therapy, drug delivery, vaccine development, and more, ushering in new opportunities for personalized medicine and precision treatment.

• Gene Therapy: Exosomes efficiently transport gene materials, enabling targeted gene regulation to treat genetic disorders and cancers.
• miRNA Delivery: Utilizing exosomes to deliver specific miRNAs modulates gene expression, offering potential treatments for cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and immune disorders.
• Drug Delivery: With excellent biocompatibility, exosomes serve as effective carriers for various medications, enhancing drug bioavailability and reducing side effects.
• Vaccine Delivery: Exosome-based vaccines mimic natural infections, triggering robust immune responses for long-lasting protection against diseases.

Advantages of Exosomes for Drug Delivery

• Biocompatibility: Exosomes are derived from cells and possess natural biocompatibility, reducing the risk of immune rejection or adverse reactions upon administration.
• Targeted Delivery: Through modification of surface proteins or engineering techniques, exosomes can be tailored to target specific cell types or tissues, enhancing the precision of drug delivery.
• Stability: Exosomes exhibit remarkable stability in biological fluids, protecting encapsulated cargo from degradation and extending their circulation time in the body.
• Inherent Homing Properties: Exosomes have inherent homing properties, allowing them to naturally target specific tissues or organs, which can be further enhanced by surface modification for targeted drug delivery.

Here, BOC Sciences' exosomes represent a promising platform for RNA delivery across diverse biomedical applications, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. If you need detailed guidance on exosomes RNA delivery, please contact us to learn more with BOC Sciences' experts.

Case Study

Case Study 1 A Targeted siRNA-Loaded PDL1-Exosome and Functional Evaluation Against Lung Cancer

Figure 2. Effects of apoptosis and cloning. (X, B. Lin.; et al, 2022)

The study focused on preparing a targeted PD-L1 exosome loaded with siRNA to evaluate its efficacy against lung cancer. The researchers optimized the preparation process and determined the binding ratio of the targeted nanovesicle/siRNA complex by assessing physical parameters such as particle size, potential, and cell binding and uptake capacity of exosome complexes. The biological behavior of the targeted exosome nanosicles was evaluated through cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell uptake assays. The results demonstrated the successful construction of a targeted exosome nanovesicle capable of loading siRNA with characteristics including low toxicity, high loading rate, and suitability for targeted tumor cell gene therapy. The PD-L1 targeting exosome proved to be an efficient siRNA delivery carrier, offering a safe and effective nanocarrier for tumor-targeted gene therapy.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between extracellular vesicles and exosomes?

Exosomes are a subpopulation of extracellular vesicles, which are classified into exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies.

2. What are exosomes in skincare?

Exosomes, as an emerging skincare ingredient, contain abundant bioactive molecules, including growth factors and lipids. Their application promotes skin regeneration and repair, improving texture and reducing wrinkles. Additionally, exosomes offer moisturizing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, protecting the skin from environmental damage and maintaining its health and youthfulness.

3. What are exosomes used for?

Exosomes have diverse applications, ranging from biomedical research to regenerative medicine and drug delivery. In research, they serve as valuable tools for understanding intercellular communication and disease mechanisms. As natural nanocarriers, exosomes show promise in targeted drug delivery for various therapeutics, including cancer treatments and regenerative therapies. Additionally, exosomes hold potential in cosmetic and skincare products, where their ability to deliver bioactive molecules like growth factors and antioxidants can improve skin health and combat aging. With their versatility and biocompatibility, exosomes continue to be a focus of scientific investigation and innovation across multiple fields.

4. Are exosomes better than stem cells?

Exosomes and stem cells each offer unique advantages in regenerative medicine. Stem cells possess the ability to differentiate into various cell types, directly contributing to tissue repair and regeneration. However, exosomes, as extracellular vesicles secreted by cells, facilitate intercellular communication and modulate cellular functions. They are smaller, more stable, and less immunogenic than stem cells, making them potentially safer and easier to handle for targeted drug delivery. While stem cells provide direct cell replacement, exosomes offer a versatile and promising approach for promoting tissue repair, angiogenesis, and immune regulation. Therefore, the choice between exosomes and stem cells depends on the specific therapeutic goals and requirements of each application.

5.What is the function of extracellular vesicles?

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer particles released by cells, ranging from 20-30 nanometers to over 10 micrometers. They cannot replicate and are classified into exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies based on size and synthesis pathways. EVs contain proteins (such as adhesion molecules, cytoskeletal proteins, cytokines, ribosomal proteins, growth factors, and metabolic enzymes), lipids (such as cholesterol, lipid rafts, and sphingolipids), nucleic acids (such as DNA, mRNA, and miRNA), metabolites, and even organelles, participating in intercellular communication and regulating biological processes.

References

1. D, M. Pegtel.; et al. Exosomes. Annual Review of Biochemistry. 2019, 88(1): 487-514.
2. X, B. Lin.; et al. A Targeted Sirna-Loaded PDL1-Exosome And Functional Evaluation Againstlung Cancer. Thorac Cancer. 2022, 13(11):1691-702.