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Pharmaceutics
Volume 18
Issue 6
10.3390/pharmaceutics18060659
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Review

Engineering Strategies for Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Modification, Drug Delivery Performance, and Synergistic Effects with Gel Composite Systems

by
Xiaoxiao Qiu
1,2,3,4,†,
Yilixiati Wusiman
1,2,3,4,†,
Nazhakaiti Yusufujiang
1,2,3,4,
Dilihuma Dilimulati
1,2,3,4,
Alhar Baishan
1,2,3,4,
Yipaerguli Paerhati
1,2,3,4,
Alifeiye Aikebaier
1,2,3,4 and
Wenting Zhou
1,2,3,4,*
1
Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830017, China
2
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Active Components and Drug Release Technology, Urumqi 830017, China
3
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, Urumqi 830017, China
4
Engineering Research Center of Xinjiang and Central Asian Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Urumqi 830017, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(6), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18060659
Submission received: 11 April 2026 / Revised: 21 May 2026 / Accepted: 25 May 2026 / Published: 27 May 2026
(This article belongs to the Section Drug Delivery and Controlled Release)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are a novel category of natural nanocarriers with widespread availability, low immunogenicity, high biocompatibility, and inherent pharmacological activity. These features underscore their value as dual-function systems capable of serving as both carriers and bioactive agents. Unlike previous reviews that focused primarily on disease-specific applications or on individual engineering techniques, this review established a conceptual framework integrating three interconnected dimensions: (i) engineering strategies that address the inherent limitations of PDEVs (targeting, stability, loading efficiency); (ii) the carrier-performance-synergy paradigm linking PDEV composition to therapeutic outcomes; and (iii) gel-composite design principles that transform local retention into a controllable delivery platform. This review delves into various engineering methodologies, including targeted modification, enhanced stability, and optimized drug loading, while elucidating the performance characteristics of PDEVs as drug carriers, focusing on their protective, targeting, and controlled-release properties. It notably investigates the synergistic interactions between the intrinsic bioactivity of PDEVs and the drugs they deliver. Furthermore, this review highlights advanced applications of PDEV gel composites in localized drug delivery, specifically emphasizing their clinical potential for treating dermatological conditions. Finally, it highlights the current challenges faced by PDEVs and anticipates future research directions, such as synthetic biology, multi-omics analysis, and clinical translation. This review provides a theoretical framework for the rational design and clinical translation of PDEVs. It thereby promotes their innovative development in precision nanomedicine
Keywords: plant-derived extracellular vesicles; drug delivery; engineered modification; gel composites; synergistic therapy; nanocarriers plant-derived extracellular vesicles; drug delivery; engineered modification; gel composites; synergistic therapy; nanocarriers

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MDPI and ACS Style

Qiu, X.; Wusiman, Y.; Yusufujiang, N.; Dilimulati, D.; Baishan, A.; Paerhati, Y.; Aikebaier, A.; Zhou, W. Engineering Strategies for Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Modification, Drug Delivery Performance, and Synergistic Effects with Gel Composite Systems. Pharmaceutics 2026, 18, 659. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18060659

AMA Style

Qiu X, Wusiman Y, Yusufujiang N, Dilimulati D, Baishan A, Paerhati Y, Aikebaier A, Zhou W. Engineering Strategies for Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Modification, Drug Delivery Performance, and Synergistic Effects with Gel Composite Systems. Pharmaceutics. 2026; 18(6):659. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18060659

Chicago/Turabian Style

Qiu, Xiaoxiao, Yilixiati Wusiman, Nazhakaiti Yusufujiang, Dilihuma Dilimulati, Alhar Baishan, Yipaerguli Paerhati, Alifeiye Aikebaier, and Wenting Zhou. 2026. "Engineering Strategies for Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Modification, Drug Delivery Performance, and Synergistic Effects with Gel Composite Systems" Pharmaceutics 18, no. 6: 659. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18060659

APA Style

Qiu, X., Wusiman, Y., Yusufujiang, N., Dilimulati, D., Baishan, A., Paerhati, Y., Aikebaier, A., & Zhou, W. (2026). Engineering Strategies for Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Modification, Drug Delivery Performance, and Synergistic Effects with Gel Composite Systems. Pharmaceutics, 18(6), 659. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18060659

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