Search Results (36)

Plant-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles (PDVLNs) are bioactive nanovesicles secreted by plant cells, emerging as a novel therapeutic tool for tissue repair and regeneration due to their low immunogenicity, intrinsic bioactivity, and potential as drug delivery carriers. This review examines PDVLNs’ biogenesis mechanisms, isolation techniques, and compositional diversity, emphasizing their roles in promoting essential regenerative processes—cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, immune modulation, and angiogenesis. We explore their therapeutic applications across multiple tissue types, including skin, bone, neural, liver, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and dental tissues, using both natural and engineered PDVLNs in various disease models. Compared to mammalian exosomes, PDVLNs offer advantages such as reduced immune rejection and ethical concerns, enhancing their sustainability and appeal for regenerative medicine. However, challenges in clinical translation, including scalability, standardization, and safety remain. This paper consolidates current knowledge on PDVLNs, highlighting their versatility and providing insights into engineering strategies to optimize efficacy, ultimately outlining future research directions to advance their clinical potential. Plant vesicle-like nanoparticles (PDVLNs) may become a new avenue for the treatment of tissue injury, promoting tissue repair and regeneration through their intrinsic bioactivity or as drug delivery carriers. In addition, PDVLNs can be engineered and modified to achieve better results. Full article

Background: Scar formation and impaired wound healing represent significant challenges in dermatology and aesthetic medicine, with limited effective treatment options currently available. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of Damask rose stem-cell-derived exosome (RSCE) therapy in the management of diverse dermatological conditions, including traumatic wounds, surgical scars, and atrophic acne scars. Methods: We conducted a case series study from June 2023 to November 2024, documenting four cases with different types of skin damage treated with lyophilized RSCE products. Treatment protocols included a variety of delivery methods such as topical application, microneedling, and post-procedure care. Follow-up assessments were performed at intervals ranging from 7 days to 10 months. Results: All patients demonstrated significant improvements in scar appearance, skin elasticity, hydration, and overall tissue quality. In traumatic facial injury, RSCE therapy facilitated reduction in scar contracture and improved functional outcomes. For atrophic acne scars, comparative treatment of facial sides showed enhanced results with RSCE addition. Acute wounds exhibited accelerated healing with reduced inflammation, while chronic wounds demonstrated improved epithelialization and long-term scar quality. Conclusions: This case series provides preliminary evidence suggesting that RSCE therapy may offer significant benefits in wound healing and scar management. The observed improvements in tissue regeneration, inflammatory modulation, and long-term aesthetic outcomes warrant further investigation through controlled clinical trials. Full article

Berberis kaschgarica Rupr.-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (BELNs), a type of plant-derived extracellular vesicle, consist of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. In this research, we employed differential centrifugation and ultracentrifugation techniques to isolate and purify BELNs. Subsequently, we conducted a comprehensive multi-omics analysis to systematically determine their physicochemical properties. Experiments were conducted in vitro with Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) to verify the therapeutic impact of BELNSs on atherosclerosis. The isolated BELNs exhibited a distinctive teacup-shaped exosome morphology. The extraction yield was approximately 2.1 × 10¹³ particles per milliliter, and the average particle size was measured to be 179.1 nm. These nanovesicles were lipid-rich. The protein content predominantly comprised cytoplasmic proteins. In-depth analysis revealed the presence of five highly conserved plant microRNAs: miR166, miR156, miR399, miR171, and miR395. These miRNAs are involved in regulating plant growth and responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Functional assays demonstrated that Berberis kaschgarica Rupr.-derived exosome-like nanovesicles substantially decreased the lipid deposition in HUVECs that was triggered by Palmitic Acid (PA). This research establishes the inaugural utilization of multi-omics platforms to systematically elucidate the bioactivity profile of BELNs from Berberis kaschgarica Rupr., thereby laying the groundwork for advancing its therapeutic potential. Full article

Gamma oryzanol (GO) is a natural anti-oxidant found in rice bran with potential health benefits. Conventional isolation of GO from rice bran requires the use of non-eco-friendly solvents such as acetone, ethyl acetate and hexane due to its low aqueous solubility. Further, nanoencapsulation of GO is required for the enhancement of stability and bioavailability. Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) are natural/intrinsic exosome-mimetic vesicles isolated from edible plants using green methods. Washed/soaked rice water (SRW) is often discarded as waste prior to cooking rice. However, traditional knowledge indicates its health-promoting anti-oxidant benefit, probably contributed by the presence of GO. Herein, for the first time, we isolated PDNVs from SRW by the cost-effective Polyethylene glycol 6000(PEG) precipitation method and demonstrated the presence of GO in PDNVs. In our initial screen, PDNVs were isolated from both rice grains (RGs) as well as the SRW of four different rice varieties, in which we identified the copious presence of GO in black RGs and brown SRW PDNVs. Both RG and SRW PDNVs were non-toxic to keratinocytes. SRW PDNVs displayed distinct cellular uptake mechanisms compared to RG PDNVs in human keratinocytes. Compared to native GO, brown SRW PDNVs containing GO displayed superior anti-oxidant activity in HaCaT keratinocytes, likely due to its enhanced cellular uptake. Overall, we describe here a waste-to-wealth green approach using an economical PEG method for the extraction of GO in bioavailable form. Given that oxidative stress is a driving factor for inflammation and related diseases, SRW PDNVs provide an affordable natural formulation for the treatment of diseases with underlying oxidative stress and inflammation. Full article

Plant-derived small RNAs (sRNAs) have garnered significant attention in nucleic acid therapeutics, driven by their distinctive cross-kingdom regulatory capabilities and extensive therapeutic promise. These sRNAs exhibit a wide range of pharmacological effects, including pulmonary protection, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities, underscoring their substantial potential for clinical translation. A key advantage lies in their delivery, facilitated by plant-specific nanovesicular carriers—such as plant exosomes, herbal decoctosomes, and bencaosomes—which protect sRNAs from gastrointestinal degradation and enable precise, tissue-specific targeting. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of plant-derived sRNAs, detailing their classification, gene-silencing mechanisms, and nanovesicle-mediated cross-kingdom delivery strategies. It further explores their therapeutic potential and underlying molecular mechanisms in major human diseases. Additionally, we critically evaluate current technical challenges and propose future directions to advance the development of plant-derived sRNAs for precision therapeutics. This work aims to offer a robust theoretical framework and practical guidance for the clinical advancement of plant-derived sRNA-based therapies. Full article

Natural substances, especially those derived from plants, exhibit a diverse range of therapeutic benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects. Nevertheless, their use in clinical settings is frequently impeded by inadequate solubility, limited bioavailability, and instability. Nanovesicular carriers, such as liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, transferosomes, transethosomes, and cubosomes, have emerged as innovative phytochemical delivery systems to address these limitations. This review highlights recent developments in vesicular nanocarriers for phytochemical delivery, emphasizing preparation techniques, composition, therapeutic applications, and the future potential of these systems. Phytosomes, along with their key advantages and various preparation techniques, are extensively described. Various in vitro and in vivo characterization techniques utilized for evaluating these nanovesicular carriers are summarized. Completed clinical trials and patents granted for nanovesicles encapsulating phytochemicals designed for systemic delivery are tabulated. Phytochemical delivery via vesicular carriers faces challenges such as low stability, limited active loading, scalability issues, and high production costs. Additionally, immune clearance and regulatory hurdles hinder clinical application, requiring improved carrier design and formulation techniques. Full article

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. Full article

Plant-derived nanovesicles represent a novel approach in the field of plant-derived biomaterials, offering a sustainable and biocompatible option for various biomedical applications. The unique properties of these vesicles, such as their ability to encapsulate bioactive compounds, make them suitable for therapeutic, cosmetic, and nutraceutical purposes. In this study, we have, for the first time, successfully bio-fabricated vesicles derived from Opuntia ficus-indica (FicoVes) using an efficient and cost-effective method. Characterized by a size of approximately of 114 nm and a negative zeta potential of −20.9 mV, FicoVes exhibited excellent biocompatibility and hemocompatibility, showing no reduction in the viability of human and animal cells. Our results showed that FicoVes possess significant antioxidant properties as they reduced ROS generation in TBH-stimulated cells. FicoVes displayed anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il 1β, TNF α) and enhancing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL4, IL10) following an inflammatory stimulus. Furthermore, FicoVes accelerated epithelial wound closure in L929 fibroblast monolayers in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting their potential role in tissue repair. This study establishes FicoVes as a promising candidate for nutrigenomic applications, particularly in the context of inflammation-related disorders and wound healing. Further research, including in vivo studies, is essential to validate these findings and fully explore their therapeutic potential. Full article

Exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNs) derived from plants are nanoscale vesicles isolated from edible plant sources. Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRM) has garnered growing attention for its dietary value and therapeutic benefits. In this study, a PEG6000-based method was developed to isolate LRM-ELNs. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction conditions to obtain the optimal extraction efficiency. When PEG6000 concentration was at 11.93%, relative centrifugal force was 9720 g, and incubation time was 21.12 h, the maximum LRM-ELN yield was 4.24 g/kg. This optimization process yielded LRM-ELNs with a particle size of 114.1 nm and a surface charge of −6.36 mV. Additionally, LRM-ELNs mitigated Aβ-induced apoptosis in HT22 cells by enhancing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lowering the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and reducing Cleaved Caspase-3 expression. Furthermore, LRM-ELNs alleviated Aβ-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells by promoting the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and upregulating the expression of HO-1 and NQO1. These findings indicate that LRM-ELNs exert protective effects against Aβ-induced damage in HT22 cells and may be considered as a potential dietary supplement for Alzheimer’s disease prevention. Full article

Background: Recent interest in plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (ENs) has surged due to their therapeutic potential, which includes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. These properties are attributed to their cargo of bioactive metabolites and other endogenous molecules. However, the properties of ENs isolated from plant cell cultures remain less explored. Methods: In this investigation, grape callus-derived ENs (GCENs) were isolated using differential ultracentrifugation techniques. Structural analysis through electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blotting confirmed that GCENs qualify as exosome-like nanovesicles. Results: These GCENs contained significant amounts of microRNAs and proteins characteristic of plant-derived ENs, as well as trans-δ-viniferin, a notable stilbenoid known for its health-promoting properties. Functional assays revealed that the GCENs reduced the viability of the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the GCENs exhibited negligible effects on the viability of normal human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, indicating selective cytotoxicity. Notably, treatment with these GCENs led to cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and triggered apoptosis in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Conclusions: Overall, this study underscores the potential of grape callus-derived nanovectors as natural carriers of stilbenoids and proposes their application as a novel and effective approach in the management of cancer. Full article

Plant-derived edible nanovesicles serve as crucial nanocarriers for targeted delivery of bioactive substances, including miRNAs and phytochemicals, to specific tissues. They have emerged as a significant focus in precision nutrient delivery research. In this study, Tartary-buckwheat-derived nanoparticles (TBDNs) were isolated and purified using a combination of differential centrifugation and PEG precipitation. A response surface test was employed to optimize the extraction process of TBDNs in terms of yield, total phenol and flavonoid content, as well as antioxidant activity. The results demonstrated that TBDNs exhibited the highest yield and activity at a 10% concentration of PEG, pH 5, and centrifugation temperature of 4 °C. Under these conditions, the measured yield of TBDNs was 1.7795 g/kg, with a total phenol content of 178.648 mg/100 g, total flavonoid content of 145.421 mg/100 g, and DPPH-radical-scavenging rate reaching 86.37%. Characterization through a transmission electron microscope and nanoparticle-size-tracking analyzer revealed that TBDNs possessed a teato-type vesicle structure with dispersed vesicle clusters present within them. Furthermore, the extracted TBDNs were found to have an average particle size of 182.8 nm with the main peak observed at 162.8 nm when tested for particle size distribution analysis. These findings provide a novel method for extracting TBDNs while laying the groundwork for future investigations into their activities. Full article

Edible plant and fruit-derived nanovesicles (NVs) are membrane-enclosed particles with round-shape morphology and signaling functions, which resemble mammalian cell-derived extracellular vesicles. These NVs can transmit cross-kingdom signals as they contain bioactive molecules and exert biological effects on mammalian cells. Their properties and stability in the gastrointestinal tract suggest NVs as a promising nutraceutical tool. In this study, we have demonstrated for the first time the presence of NVs in olive vegetation water (OVW), a waste by-product generated during olive oil production. Biophysical characterization by scanning electron microscopy, cryo-transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed the presence in OVW of NVs having size and morphology similar to that of vesicles isolated from edible plants. Integrated lipidomic, metabolomic, and proteomic analyses showed that OVW-NVs carry a set of lipids, metabolites and proteins which have recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The nature of biomolecules identified in OVW-NVs suggests that these vesicles could exert beneficial effects on mammalian cells and could be used in the nutraceutical and food industries. The successful isolation of OVW-NVs and the characterization of their features strengthen the idea that agricultural waste might represent a source of NVs having features similar to NVs isolated from edible plants/fruits. Full article

Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNs) are bilayer membrane-enclosed nanovesicles secreted by plant cells, serving as carriers of various substances such as proteins, RNA, and metabolites. The mounting evidence suggests that PELN plays a crucial role in transmembrane signaling, nutrient transportation, apoptosis, and regulation of gut microbiota composition. This makes it a promising “dark nutrient” for plants to modulate human physiology and pathogenesis. A comprehensive understanding of PELN formation, uptake, and functional mechanisms can offer novel insights into plant nutrition and functional properties, thereby facilitating the precise development of plant-based foods and drugs. This article provides a summary of PELN extraction and characterization, as well as absorption and delivery processes. Furthermore, it focuses on the latest discoveries and underlying physiological mechanisms of PELN’s functions while exploring future research directions. Full article

Plant-derived nanovesicles have been considered interesting in medicine for their breakthrough biological effects, including those relevant to wound healing. However, tomato-derived nanovesicles (TDNVs) have not been studied for their effects on wound closure yet. TDNVs were isolated from Solanum lycopersicum (var. Piccadilly) ripe tomatoes by ultracentrifugation. Extract (collected during the isolation procedure) and NVs (pellet) were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and laser Doppler electrophoresis. Wound healing in the presence of Extract or NVs was analyzed by a scratch assay with monocultures of human keratinocytes (HUKE) or NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblasts. Cell proliferation and migration were studied by MTT and agarose spot assay, respectively. The vesicles in the Extract and NV samples were nanosized with a similar mean diameter of 115 nm and 130 nm, respectively. Both Extract and NVs had already accelerated wound closure of injured HUKE and NIH-3T3 monocultures by 6 h post-injury. Although neither sample exerted a cytotoxic effect on HUKE and NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, they did not augment cell proliferation. NVs and the Extract increased cell migration of both cell types. NVs from tomatoes may accelerate wound healing by increasing keratinocyte and fibroblast migration. These results indicate the potential therapeutic usefulness of TDNVs in the treatment of chronic or hard-to-heal ulcers. Full article

Dramatic shifts in global climate have intensified abiotic and biotic stress faced by plants. Plant microRNAs (miRNAs)—20–24 nucleotide non-coding RNA molecules—form a key regulatory system of plant gene expression; playing crucial roles in plant growth; development; and defense against abiotic and biotic stress. Moreover, they participate in cross-kingdom communication. This communication encompasses interactions with other plants, microorganisms, and insect species, collectively exerting a profound influence on the agronomic traits of crops. This article comprehensively reviews the biosynthesis of plant miRNAs and explores their impact on plant growth, development, and stress resistance through endogenous, non-transboundary mechanisms. Furthermore, this review delves into the cross-kingdom regulatory effects of plant miRNAs on plants, microorganisms, and pests. It proceeds to specifically discuss the design and modification strategies for artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs), as well as the protection and transport of miRNAs by exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNVs), expanding the potential applications of plant miRNAs in crop breeding. Finally, the current limitations associated with harnessing plant miRNAs are addressed, and the utilization of synthetic biology is proposed to facilitate the heterologous expression and large-scale production of miRNAs. This novel approach suggests a plant-based solution to address future biosafety concerns in agriculture. Full article