Liver-Targeted Exosome Modification Service
- Formulate a targeting modification plan based on the target disease (e.g., liver fibrosis or hepatocellular carcinoma) and the properties of the delivered drug (small molecule/nucleic acid/protein).
- Assist in selecting exosome sources (stem cells/hepatocytes/engineered cell lines) and optimize loading methods (electroporation, sonication, co-incubation).
- Chemical Conjugation: Ligand-directed anchoring via amino/thiol reactive groups.
- Genetic Engineering: Transfect parent cells with genes encoding targeting peptides/antibodies, so they secrete pre-modified exosomes.
- Membrane Fusion Technology: In vitro self-assembly coupling of exosome membranes with modified peptides/antibodies.
- Physical Characterization: NTA for particle size distribution, TEM to assess integrity.
- Targeting Validation: In vitro binding assays using hepatic cell models (HepG2/LX-2), ex vivo fluorescence imaging of mouse liver.
- Delivery Efficiency Evaluation: Measure drug delivery efficiency (HPLC/fluorescent probe techniques) and quantify liver distribution (qPCR/Western blot).
- Provide comprehensive data reports (modification efficiency, targeting verification, in vitro/in vivo functional results).
- Offer assistance with scale-up production (pilot scale) or custom animal studies upon client request.
- Precision Targeting Library: More than 10 validated liver-targeting molecules (peptides/antibodies) covering most liver disease models.
- High-Efficiency Loading Platform: Ultracentrifugation combined with electroporation yields nucleic acid loading capacity >50%, small-molecule encapsulation efficiency >80%.
- Strict QC System: Advanced purification procedures ensure exosome purity >95% and endotoxin <0.1 EU/mL.
- Modular Service Chain: From basic modifications to complex functional designs (e.g., multi-target immune therapy).
- Flexible Adaptation: Compatible with various exosome sources (client-supplied or lab-prepared).
- Short Lead Times: Customized projects completed within ≤6 weeks.
- One-Stop Service: From targeting design to efficacy verification, accelerating pipeline development.
Exosomes are nanosized vesicles (30–150 nm in diameter) secreted naturally by almost all cells, carrying bioactive molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids (e.g., miRNA and mRNA), and lipids. They serve as efficient vehicles for intercellular communication. Thanks to their low immunogenicity and prolonged circulation half-life, exosomes effectively evade immune clearance. Their strong tissue-penetration capabilities allow them to overcome complex physiological barriers and precisely deliver cargo to target areas. Compared with chemically synthesized nanocarriers, exosomes require no complicated synthetic processes for efficient drug encapsulation, significantly reducing toxicity risks. More importantly, their surfaces can be engineered to achieve specific targeting functions, conferring “precision-guided” potential that enhances therapeutic efficacy and safety.
Liver diseases (e.g., liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and metabolic liver disorders) pose multiple challenges for treatment. On one hand, the complex immunological microenvironment of the liver and the tight structure of hepatic sinusoids act as a natural barrier that restricts effective drug infiltration. On the other hand, the robust uptake and metabolic functions of hepatocytes and Kupffer cells can rapidly inactivate non-target drugs. To address these challenges, liver-targeted exosomes offer a groundbreaking approach through purposeful engineering modifications. By introducing specific ligands such as LyP-1 peptide or SP94 peptide, exosomes can precisely recognize unique markers in hepatocytes or fibrotic lesions, significantly enhancing their homing ability in the liver. Leveraging membrane fusion techniques to anchor liver-specific receptors (e.g., ASGPR) onto exosome surfaces can further boost targeting efficiency. Additionally, designing pH- or enzyme-sensitive intelligent membrane structures triggers drug release upon entering the diseased microenvironment, ensuring a “precise strike.” The combined use of these techniques opens a new dimension for the specificity, safety, and efficacy of liver disease therapies.
Kanojia, N. et al. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol. 2025.
Figure 1. The Modification of Natural Exosomes for Targeting Liver
Services at MtoZ Biolabs
MtoZ Biolabs provides professional and modular liver-targeted exosome modification service to overcome targeting-delivery challenges in liver disease treatment. Through comprehensive multi-dimensional modification techniques, we help clients customize liver-targeted exosomes to meet specific research and clinical requirements, significantly improving drug delivery efficiency and therapeutic outcomes. Our services include, but are not limited to:
1. Exosome Isolation and Characterization: Utilizing ultracentrifugation/size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) to purify exosomes, followed by DLS/NTA/TEM analyses.
2. Targeting Modification: Ranging from peptide/antibody conjugation and genetic engineering to the integration of stimulus-responsive elements.
3. Functional Validation: In vitro cell model assays (target-binding rate, gene silencing efficiency) and in vivo distribution tracking in mice or rats.
Analysis Workflow
1. Needs Assessment & Customized Strategy
2. Exosome Targeting Modification
3. Quality Verification & Functional Testing
4. Report Delivery & Follow-Up Support
Service Advantages
1. Technological Strengths
2. Customized Solutions
3. Rapid Turnaround
Applications
1. Precision Drug Delivery: Through directed modification, liver-targeted exosomes can accurately transport drugs (e.g., antifibrotic small molecules or anticancer agents) to diseased hepatocytes or hepatic stellate cells, significantly reducing systemic exposure and non-target toxicity while expanding the therapeutic window.
2. Gene Regulation Therapy: Thanks to their natural cargo-carrying capacity, exosomes can encapsulate siRNA, mRNA, or gene-editing tools (like CRISPR-Cas9). Surface ligand engineering further directs them to hepatocyte nuclei for efficient gene repair or silencing (e.g., inhibiting c-Myc overexpression in HCC).
3. Comprehensive Liver Disease Intervention: Responsive design tailored to the hepatic microenvironment allows modified exosomes to exert anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and immunoregulatory functions—such as delivering IL-10 to rebalance immune responses in hepatitis, supplying miR-122 to suppress viral replication, or carrying TGF-β inhibitors to reverse fibrosis. This approach supports multi-faceted treatments for cirrhosis, liver cancer, and metabolic liver disease.
Case Study
1. Huc-MSC-Derived Exosomes Modifed with the Targeting Peptide of aHSCs for Liver Fbrosis Therapy
In this study, the authors identified a peptide, HSTP1, capable of selectively binding to activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs). By genetically fusing HSTP1 with the exosomal membrane protein Lamp2b, they displayed this peptide on the surface of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (Huc-MSCs). The resulting HSTP1-modified exosomes showed enhanced internalization by aHSCs in vitro, effectively promoting their transition back to a quiescent phenotype. In vivo experiments demonstrated that these engineered exosomes specifically homed to the fibrotic liver region, as evidenced by co-localization with the aHSC marker α-SMA, thereby improving antifibrotic efficacy. Overall, the findings emphasize HSTP1’s potential as a targeting ligand and illustrate the utility of engineered exosomes in delivering therapeutic agents to aHSCs within the complex environment of fibrotic liver tissue. Liver-targeted exosome modification service focuses on enhancing the delivery of therapeutic agents to liver tissue by incorporating targeting peptides or other molecular ligands onto exosome surfaces. Through design optimization and in-depth validation, the resulting exosomes can better direct treatments to the desired liver target.
Lin, Y. et al. J Nanobiotechnology. 2022.
Figure 2. Screening of Phages and Identifcation of Positive Phage Clones
2. Exosome-Mediated Delivery of Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Complexes for Tissue-Specific Gene Therapy of Liver Diseases
This study proposes a novel exosome-mediated Cas9 RNP delivery system (exosomeRNP), in which Cas9 RNP is loaded into exosomes derived from hepatic stellate cells via electroporation. In vitro, the system efficiently transports the RNP to the cytoplasm, while in vivo it specifically accumulates in the liver, enabling targeted gene editing in mouse models of acute liver injury, chronic liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The findings demonstrate notable therapeutic potential. Liver-targeted exosome modification service strengthens hepatic enrichment and delivery by optimizing the combination of exosomes and gene-editing tools. This service is suitable for various liver disease requirements, providing efficient drug loading and targeted modifications.
Wan, T. et al. Sci Adv. 2022.
Figure 3. Characterization, Genome-Editing Activity, Biodistribution and Cellular Uptake Mechanism of ExosomeRNP
The intricate biological characteristics of liver diseases present unprecedented challenges for drug delivery. Drawing on extensive expertise in exosome engineering, we are committed to offering high-precision, high-stability liver-targeted exosome modification service to academic and industry partners. Our science-driven, implementation-focused approach aims to shorten R&D cycles and help achieve breakthroughs in next-generation liver disease therapies.
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