Recent advances and future prospects of engineered exosomes as advanced drug and gene delivery systems

Abstract

Engineered exosomes (eEXOs) are promising nanocarriers for targeted drug and gene delivery. This review explores advancements in EXO engineering, including surface modifications to enhance targeting and uptake, loading techniques for diverse cargoes, and methods to improve stability and circulation time. eEXOs have potential in delivering small-molecule drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins for treating cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory diseases. Future prospects include integrating artificial intelligence and 3D bioprinting with EXO engineering for advanced therapeutic nanocarriers. Artificial and shape-eEXOs are also promising, offering a biocompatible platform for precise therapies across various diseases.