Recent Advances in the Isolation Strategies of Plant-Derived Exosomes and Their Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

Exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNs) derived from natural products are gaining attention as innovative therapeutic agents due to their biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and capability to transport bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These plant-derived ELNs exhibit structural similarities with mammalian exosomes, making them suitable for drug delivery, microbiome-targeted therapies, and regenerative medicine. Recent studies highlight their potential in treating cancer, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Additionally, ELNs have applications in cosmetics, agriculture, and the food industry. This review combines the latest advancements in research on plant-derived ELNs, focusing on isolation techniques, pharmacological effects, and therapeutic applications. Although plant-derived ELNs offer promising opportunities, several challenges must be addressed, including standardization, large-scale production, and in vivo efficacy. By summarizing cutting-edge studies and suggesting future directions, we aim to inspire further development of plant-derived ELNs as next-generation therapeutic platforms.

Keywords: density gradient centrifugation; drug delivery; plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles; polymer-based precipitation; size-exclusion chromatography; ultracentrifuge.