Hydrogel empowered extracellular vesicles isolation, detection, and delivery

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), bilayered phospholipid structures capable of transporting diverse biomolecules from parent cells to neighboring cells or distant organs, exhibit remarkable potential in disease diagnosis and treatment. However, their efficient isolation, accurate detection, and controlled delivery have been greatly hindered by their low density in body fluid, low concentration of containing biomarkers, as well as rapid circulation rate in vivo, respectively. Over the past decade, an expanding number of studies have found that the three-dimensional porous hydrogels with adjustable structures, customizable functions, as well as desirable biocompatibility and biodegradability could provide a powerful platform for tackling these obstacles. Herein, this review summarized the recent progress in utilizing natural and synthetic hydrogels to assist in the isolation, detection, and delivery of EVs, with an emphasis on the relevant properties of hydrogels. In addition, the associated challenges were considered and the emerging possible opportunities were discussed. The comprehensive understanding of the hydrogel empowered isolation, detection, and delivery of EVs would promote the future development of EV-based integrating platforms for disease diagnosis and treatment.