Advances in the isolation and characterization of milk-derived extracellular vesicles and their functions

Abstract

Milk-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have various functions, including immune regulation and promoting intestinal development. These EVs have substantial potential for application in infant formula and functional foods development. In addition, numerous studies have shown that milk-derived EVs carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids away from their parental cells, acting as messengers between cells. Moreover, structural integrity and biological viability are necessary prerequisites for the functional and omics studies of milk-derived EVs. Therefore, selecting appropriate methods for isolating and characterizing milk-derived EVs is essential for subsequent studies. Accordingly, this review summarizes the isolation and characterization methods for milk-derived EVs and their biological functions and roles. Furthermore, it discusses the comprehensive application of isolation methods, providing a reference for research on and development of milk-derived EVs.

Keywords: biological functions; characterization; extracellular vesicles; infant; isolation methods; milk.

Figure 1

Diagram of the formation mechanism and composition of EVs (exosomes). The figure shows two production mechanisms of exosomes and their internal composition structure, comprising mainly nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. MVB, multivesicular body; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; tetraspanins, CD81, CD9, CD63; TSG101, tumor susceptibility gene 101; heat shock proteins, Hsp70, Hsp90; Ras-related proteins, Rab5, Rab7.

Figure 2

Biological functions and partial mechanisms of milk-derived extracellular vesicles. (I) Effects of porcine milk-derived EVs on mouse gut. (II) Regulatory effects of bovine milk-derived EVs on inflammation.