Food-derived extracellular vesicles: natural nanocarriers for active phytoconstituents in new functional food

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are naturally occurring non-replicating particles released from cells, known for their health-promoting effects and potential as carriers for drug delivery. Extensive research has been conducted on delivery systems based on culture-cell-derived EVs. Nevertheless, they have several limitations including low production yield, high expenses, unsuitability for oral administration, and safety concerns in applications. Conversely, food-derived EVs (FDEVs) offer unique advantages that cannot be easily substituted. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the biogenesis pathways, composition, and health benefits of FDEVs, as well as the techniques required for constructing oral delivery systems. Furthermore, it explores the advantages and challenges associated with FDEVs as oral nanocarriers, and discusses the current research advancements in delivering active phytoconstituents. FDEVs, functioning as a nanocarrier platform for the oral delivery of active molecules, present numerous benefits such as convenient administration, high biocompatibility, low toxicity, and inherent targeting. Nevertheless, numerous unresolved issues persist in the isolation, characterization, drug loading, and application of FDEVs. Technical innovation and standardization of quality control are the key points to promote the development of FDEVs. The review aimed to provide frontier ideas and basic quality control guidelines for developing new functional food based on FDEVs oral drug delivery system.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are excellent nano-carriers for active molecules.

• Food-derived EVs (FDEVs) are better sources of EVs in delivery applications.

• Active phytoconstituents could be protected by loading them into FDEVs.

• The development of FDEVs-based delivery system is promising in new functional food.

Graphical abstract

Keywords:

• Extracellular vesicles
• nanocarriers
• oral delivery
• active phytoconstituents

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Zhejiang Lanmei Technology Co., Ltd., National Natural Science Foundation of China [U21A20273], China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA [CARS-29] and the First Batch of Liaoning “Unveiling Leader” Scientific and Technological Projects [2021JH1/10400036].