Industrial By-Products As a Novel Circular Source of Biocompatible Extracellular Vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) constitute an intricate system of molecular exchange that has recently gained tremendous interest. However, sustainable sources of safe biological EVs remain scarce and elusive. This study explores and defines the use of food industry by-products (BP) as a circular source of safe biocompatible EVs. Averaged diameter and molecular compositions indicate a large yield of exosomes and high abundancy of membrane lipids with signaling capacity in these vesicles. Complex proteomes mimicking those circulating in human blood plasma are also identified. Furthermore, BP-EVs do not show relevant cytotoxicity and display excellent oral and intravenous bioavailability together with specific organ targeting capacity. Collectively, it is believed that the novel findings reported here will open substantial venues for the use of BP as an optimal source of biocompatible nanovesicles in manifold applications of the biotechnological and biomedical fields.

Automated summary

This study explores and defines the use of food industry by-products as a sustainable and safe source of biocompatible extracellular vesicles. The vesicles have a large yield of exosomes, high abundance of membrane lipids, and complex proteomes resembling those in human blood plasma. The biocompatible vesicles show excellent oral and intravenous bioavailability, as well as specific organ targeting capacity.