Exosome-Based Drug Delivery Service

Exosomes are naturally occurring nanoscale vesicles (30–150 nm) produced and released by cells through endocytic pathways. They carry a variety of bioactive molecules—including proteins, lipids, and RNAs from their originating cells—and play crucial roles in cell-to-cell communication. Owing to their excellent biocompatibility and natural membrane composition, exosomes can evade immune rejection, penetrate complex physiological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and tumor tissues, resist enzymatic degradation, and prolong drug circulation in vivo, making them ideal carriers for drug delivery.

 



Tian, J. et al. Int J Nanomedicine. 2023.

Figure 1. The Biogenesis of Exosomes

 

However, natural exosomes exhibit limitations in targeting specificity and drug-loading efficiency, necessitating optimization through engineering approaches. Molecular anchoring techniques can conjugate targeting ligands (e.g., RGD peptides or antibodies) onto exosomal membranes to enhance localization to disease sites. Additionally, genetic engineering of donor cells can induce overexpression of specific functional proteins, while physical and chemical methods, such as fusion with external lipids or nanomaterials, can further improve loading capacity and drug delivery stability.

 



Ren, X. et al. Biomater Transl. 2024.

Figure 2. The Modification Strategy of Exosomes

 

MtoZ Biolabs specializes in providing Exosome-Based Drug Delivery Service covering the entire process from exosome customization and drug loading to preclinical validation. Leveraging multidisciplinary approaches—including genetic engineering, chemical modification, and biomaterials science—we develop exosome delivery systems characterized by high targeting specificity, superior loading efficiency, and minimal toxicity, accelerating innovative therapies from laboratory to clinical application. Our service includes, but are not limited to:

1. Exosome Isolation and Standardized Preparation

• Customizable selection of donor cells (client-provided or recommended)
• Scalable production capabilities

 

2. Customized Exosome Modification

• Targeting modification: Conjugation of aptamers, antibodies, polysaccharide ligands
• Functional expansion: Incorporation of photothermal agents (e.g., gold nanoparticles) for integrated diagnosis and treatment

 

3. Drug Loading and Controlled Release Optimization

• Efficiency enhancement: Achieving loading rates of >80% for small molecules, >70% for nucleic acids
• Controlled-release designs: pH or enzyme-responsive drug-release systems

 

4. Preclinical Research Support

• Animal model efficacy evaluations (tumor inhibition rate, biodistribution)
• Pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicology (tox) analyses

 

Analysis Workflow

1. Requirement Analysis and Strategy Design

Tailored targeting and drug-loading strategies based on drug types (small molecules, nucleic acids, proteins) and therapeutic objectives (tumors, neurological diseases, etc.).

 

2. Exosome Preparation and Characterization

• Source selection: Stem cells, immune cells, or client-specified cell lines  
• Isolation and purification: Ultracentrifugation combined with size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) ensuring purity >95%  
• Characterization methods: Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) for size distribution, Western blotting for marker identification, electron microscopy for morphological verification

 

3. Engineering Modification

• Targeting strategies: Chemical conjugation (click chemistry) or genetic editing (CRISPR/Cas9) to introduce targeting ligands  
• Functional enhancement: Membrane fusion with pH-sensitive liposomes, incorporation of fluorescent probes for real-time tracking

 

4. Drug Loading and Optimization

• Active loading methods: Electroporation (for siRNA/mRNA), ultrasound-assisted loading (chemotherapeutic drugs)  
• Passive association: Hydrophobic molecules spontaneously integrating into the lipid bilayer

 

5. Quality Control and Functional Validation

• Drug-loading efficiency assessment: HPLC/mass spectrometry quantitative analysis  
• Targeting evaluation: 3D tumor spheroid models, in vivo near-infrared (NIR) imaging  
• Toxicity testing: Cell viability assays (CCK-8), immunogenicity assessments (ELISA detection of inflammatory factors)

 

Service Advantages

1. Integrated Technology Chain

• Comprehensive coverage of exosome isolation, modification, drug loading, and validation ensures data consistency  
• Flexible, customized designs tailored to various drug types and disease models

 

2. Advanced Targeted Delivery Techniques

• Proprietary chemical conjugation technologies achieving high-density ligand anchoring  
• Genetic engineering approaches enabling exosome membrane proteins to penetrate barriers like the BBB

 

3. Rigorous Quality Control System

• Batch-to-batch stability control (size variation <10%)  
• Sterility and endotoxin testing

 

4. Efficient Project Support

• Standardized delivery cycles within 6–8 weeks  
• Comprehensive reports, including raw data, analyses, and optimization recommendations

 

Applications

Exosomes can be applied for targeted delivery in a variety of diseases. In liver diseases, exosomes can deliver anti-inflammatory or anti-fibrotic molecules to alleviate liver tissue damage. In cardiovascular diseases, they can carry miRNAs or proteins to repair myocardial injury and regulate cardiac function. For cancer treatment, engineered exosomes enable precise delivery of siRNA, mRNA, or chemotherapeutic agents to tumor tissues. In AIDS research, exosomes help deliver antiviral factors or interfering RNAs to inhibit HIV replication. In neurological disorders, exosomes can cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver neurotrophic factors or gene regulatory molecules for neural repair. In bone and joint diseases, they can deliver miRNAs or proteins to reduce joint inflammation and promote cartilage regeneration.  

 



Tian, J. et al. Int J Nanomedicine. 2023.

Figure 3. Clinical Applications of Drug-Loaded Exosomes

 

Case Study

1. Ultrasound-Assisted CRISPRi-Exosome for Epigenetic Modification of α‑Synuclein Gene in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease

This study developed an exosome-based CRISPR epigenetic regulation platform (RVG-CRISPRi-Exo), carrying brain-targeted RVG peptide, sgRNA, and dCas9-DNMT3A, enabling precise methylation editing of the SNCA gene in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). With the assistance of focused ultrasound (FUS), the engineered exosomes successfully crossed the blood-brain barrier, reduced α-synuclein expression, significantly improved motor function, neurosensitivity, and dopamine pathway activity in PD mice, providing a novel strategy for epigenetic therapy of brain diseases. Exosome-Based Drug Delivery Service provides customized drug and gene-editing delivery solutions using engineered exosomes that precisely deliver drugs or nucleic acids to the brain and other tissues. Our service integrates exosomes with ultrasound techniques to enhance delivery efficiency, overcome physiological barriers, and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

 



Kong, W. et al. ACS Nano. 2024.

Figure 4. Preparation of Engineered Exosomes

 

2.  Chondrocyte-Targeted MicroRNA Delivery by Engineered Exosomes toward a Cell-Free Osteoarthritis Therapy

This study developed engineered chondrocyte-targeting exosomes (CAP-exosomes) for delivering microRNA-140 as a therapeutic strategy for osteoarthritis (OA). By fusing a chondrocyte-affinity peptide (CAP) to the exosome surface, precise delivery of miR-140 into chondrocytes was achieved both in vitro and in vivo. Animal experiments demonstrated that CAP-exosomes effectively remained within joint spaces, penetrated dense cartilage matrices, inhibited protease activity, and alleviated OA progression, highlighting their potential as a cell-free, organelle-based therapeutic approach. Exosome-Based Drug Delivery Service utilizes surface modification techniques to enhance targeted delivery to specific cells or tissues. Our service efficiently encapsulates and delivers diverse therapeutic cargoes, including nucleic acids, small molecules, and proteins, ensuring precise and stable cell- or tissue-specific drug delivery.

 



Liang, Y. et al. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2020.

Figure 5. Genetic Engineering of Exosomes for Targeted Delivery of miRNA to Chondrocytes

 

MtoZ Biolabs is committed to the mission of "Precision Delivery, Therapeutic Innovation." Backed by internationally leading exosome engineering technology and a comprehensive quality control system, we provide efficient and reliable exosome-based drug delivery solutions to research institutions and enterprises. Whether for basic research exploration or clinical translational development, we strive to be your essential partner in overcoming disease challenges. Contact us today to initiate your journey into innovative exosome delivery!