Bioengineered exosomes: Cellular membrane-camouflaged biomimetic nanocarriers for Parkinson's disease management

Eur J Pharmacol. 2025 Jan 15:987:177199. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.177199. Epub 2024 Dec 9.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease is a prevalent neurological condition that affects around 1% of adults over 60 worldwide. Deep brain stimulation and dopamine replacement therapy are common therapies for Parkinson's disease, yet they are unable to reverse the disease it simply because of the blood brain barrier. The use of bioengineered exosomes to treat Parkinson's disease is being studied because they have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Their natural ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and their biocompatibility make them highly suitable for delivering therapeutic agents to manage PD, specifically the role of astrocytes, microglial cells, and alpha-synuclein. It also explores the biogenesis and preparation of these bioengineered exosomes. In comparison to conventional nanocarriers, the modified exosomal-membrane-camouflaged abiotic nanocarriers show improved resilience and compatibility. Improved cellular absorption and targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads, such as medications and enzymes, are being shown in laboratory trials. A viable strategy for treating PD involves combining abiotic nanocarriers with bioengineered exosomal membranes. Despite their promising potential, successful clinical application requires overcoming hurdles related to scalable production, regulatory approval, and long-term safety evaluation. Nevertheless, the innovative use of bioengineered exosomes holds significant promise for advancing PD management and improving patient outcomes through more targeted and effective therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Bio-engineered; Exosomes; Nanocarriers; Parkinsons; Targeted delivery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bioengineering / methods
  • Biomimetic Materials* / chemistry
  • Biomimetic Materials* / pharmacology
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Drug Carriers* / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Parkinson Disease* / drug therapy
  • Parkinson Disease* / therapy

Substances

  • Drug Carriers