Emerging Insights into Natural Nanovesicles for Therapeutics and Nutritional Science

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (30–150 nm) secreted by cells, involved in intercellular communication by transporting proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Recent studies have identified that fruits and other plants produce exosome-like nanovesicles, often called plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PELNs), which show promising bioactive properties and therapeutic potential.

🔍 Characteristics of Fruit-derived Exosomes

• Isolated from juice or tissue of fruits such as grapes, apples, citrus fruits, blueberries, and strawberries

• Carry bioactive molecules including microRNAs, antioxidants, enzymes, and lipids

• Biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-immunogenic in mammalian systems

• Stable under various storage and processing conditions

🧪 Research Highlights and Bioactivities

🌿 Applications of Fruit-derived Exosomes

1. Natural Therapeutics and Nutraceuticals

• Explored as carriers for plant-derived bioactives enhancing health benefits

• Oral delivery vehicles protecting sensitive cargos from degradation

2. Drug Delivery Systems

• Engineered to carry siRNAs, miRNAs, or drugs targeting human diseases

• Offer an alternative to synthetic nanoparticles with improved safety profiles

3. Cosmetics and Skin Care

• Used in formulations for anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects

4. Agricultural and Food Science

• Plant health communication and defense mechanisms mediated by exosomes

• Potential markers for fruit ripeness and quality control

🛠️ Isolation and Characterization

• Common methods: ultracentrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography, filtration

• Characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), electron microscopy, Western blot for exosomal markers

• Molecular cargo profiled via RNA-seq, proteomics, lipidomics

📌 Challenges and Future Directions

• Standardization of isolation protocols for reproducibility

• Understanding uptake mechanisms in human cells

• Large-scale production and quality control for clinical-grade material

• Regulatory pathways for plant-derived exosome therapeutics