In recent years, Extracellular Vesicle (EV)-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) have gained widespread popularity due to their potential intrinsic benefits, such as their proposed preferential accumulation to specific cells/organs, low immunogenicity, and ability to cross biological barriers.

Protheragen-ING focuses on utilizing the potential of EVs to create innovative and efficient drug delivery systems. With our expertise and cutting-edge technology, we offer comprehensive customization services to meet your EV-based nanoparticle development needs.

Benefits of Extracellular Vesicles

EVs are nanoscale particles surrounded by a protein-rich lipid bilayer. They are released by cells and are believed to be important mediators of intercellular communication.

It has been hypothesized that the presence of specific molecules on the surface of EVs, such as integrins, tetraspanins, and proteoglycans, may contribute to improved targeting specificity, enhanced cellular uptake, as well as avoidance of recognition and rapid clearance by the immune system. Therefore, EV naturally equipped protein-rich membranes are essential for the development of novel biomimetic nanoplatforms that may outperform synthetic DDS.

Protheragen-ING can combine EVs with synthetic nanoparticles (sNPs) (e.g., polymers or liposomes affixed/loaded with biologics) by defined techniques to form novel drug delivery nanoplatforms, i.e., EV-based hybrid systems.

Fig. 1 EV-based hybrid systems for drug delivery. (Rodríguez DA, et al. 2022)

Strategies for Preparing EV-based Hybrid Systems

Important factors must be considered when choosing a production strategy, such as reproducibility, the ability to control hybrid size and stability, the possibility of eliminating possible by-products, and the retention of functional properties of the vector. Our preparation methods include:

• Passive Hybridization

Generation of EV-based hybrids by electrostatic or hydrophobic interactions utilizing the physicochemical compositions of two DDS (EV and sNP).

• Transient Opening of Lipid Bilayers

Generation of EV-based hybrid systems by sonication, freeze-thawing, or extrusion.

• Fusion of Lipid Bilayers

This method relies on PEG-induced fusion of lipid bilayers.

Our Comprehensive Development Services

• Nanoparticle design and synthesis: customized design of nanoparticle properties such as size, shape, surface modification, and drug loading.
• Nanoparticle characterization and analysis: key properties such as particle size distribution, stability, surface charge, and drug release kinetics.
• Drug delivery and release studies: design and execution of in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate key metrics such as nanoparticle targeting, cellular uptake capacity, drug release kinetics and toxicity.

• Preclinical development support: drug loading optimization, stability studies, toxicity assessment, and preparation process optimization.
• Technical consulting and customization services.

Our Characterization Techniques for EV-based Nanoparticles

We employ a range of advanced characterization techniques to ensure the quality and efficacy of EV-based nanoparticles. Our characterization services include:

• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)

We utilize DLS to determine the size distribution and hydrodynamic diameter of EV-based nanoparticles. This technique provides valuable insights into the stability and uniformity of the particles.

• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

TEM allows us to visualize the morphology and structure of EV-based nanoparticles at high resolution. It helps in confirming the successful incorporation of cargoes or nanoparticles and ensures the integrity of EV membranes.

• Zeta Potential Analysis

Zeta potential measurement provides information about the surface charge of EV-based nanoparticles. This analysis helps in assessing the stability and colloidal behavior of the particles.

• Cargo Encapsulation Efficiency Determination

We employ various methods, such as fluorescence-based assays or spectrophotometry, to determine the encapsulation efficiency of cargoes within EVs. This assessment is crucial for optimizing cargo loading strategies.

• EV Marker Quantification

We utilize techniques like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or flow cytometry to quantify specific EV markers. This analysis confirms the presence of EVs and ensures their purity in the preparations.

Contact us today to discuss your requirements and embark on a journey towards innovative and effective drug delivery systems powered by extracellular vesicles.