Zhang Hexu

Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract：

Exosomes are lipid bilayer membrane vesicles with a diameter of 30-150 nm secreted by cells. They are rich in bioactive molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, naturally possess intercellular communication functions, and exhibit unique advantages in the field of drug delivery. Their excellent biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and ability to cross biological barriers make them ideal next-generation drug carriers. However, natural exosomes have limitations such as poor targeting, limited drug loading efficiency, and short in vivo circulation half-life, which restrict their clinical application. Rational modification strategies can optimize the carrier performance of exosomes, endow them with precise targeting capabilities, enhance drug delivery efficiency, and reduce toxic side effects. This article systematically reviews the fundamental characteristics of exosomes, their feasibility as drug carriers, and the types and methods of drug loading. It focuses on surface modification, interior modification, and hybrid modification strategies for exosomes as drug carriers, compares and analyzes the advantages, disadvantages, and applicable scenarios of different modification strategies; deeply explores the core mechanisms of modified exosome targeted delivery systems, applied research on different targeting types, and in vitro and in vivo evaluation methods; finally summarizes current research challenges and prospects future development directions, providing a theoretical reference for further research and clinical translation of exosome-based drug carriers.

Key Words：

exosomes; drug carriers; modification strategies; targeted delivery; drug delivery systems; clinical translation