Extracellular vesicle-loaded hydrogels for tissue repair and regeneration

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells, can promote tissue repair and regeneration, holding significant potential in regenerative medicine. However, they're quickly cleared from the body, limiting their action at target sites. Hydrogels, biocompatible and porous, can act as EV carriers, prolonging retention and slowing release at specific areas. EV-loaded hydrogels are a promising approach for targeted tissue repair. This review explores EVs, hydrogels, loading strategies, and applications in tissue repair and regeneration, aiming to provide ideas for researchers in the field.

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  EV-loaded hydrogels have shown potential in tissue repair and regeneration for skin, bone, cartilage, heart, central nervous system and reproductive organs.
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  The loose, porous structure of hydrogels allows EVs loading, while factors like porosity, surface charge, and degradation rate affect EVs loading and release.
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  EV-loaded hydrogels can be prepared via 'breathing method', mixing and crosslinking, or in situ gel formation, and can be applied as hydrogel dressings, microneedles, or injectable hydrogels.