Âé¶¹ÒùÔº


This article has been reviewed according to Science X's and . have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

peer-reviewed publication

trusted source

proofread

Modular protein adapter technology enables exosome-based precision drug delivery

Next-generation drug delivery innovation! DGIST develops precision therapeutics using exosomes
Credit: ACS Nano (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c15441

A joint research team has developed a modular protein adapter technology that enables the stable attachment of various substances to the surface of extracellular vesicles (exosomes). It was designed to enable functional molecules to bind efficiently, even in the complex environments of cell membranes. The research demonstrated the potential for the development of tailored therapeutics.

The research team was led by Professor Kyungmoo Yea from the Department of New Biology and Professor Daeha Seo from the Department of Chemistry and Âé¶¹ÒùÔºics at DGIST and conducted in collaboration with Professor Moon-chang Baek's team from the School of Medicine at Kyungpook National University.

The paper is in the journal ACS Nano.

Exosomes play a crucial role in intercellular signaling and have attracted attention as next-generation drug delivery carriers due to their naturally occurring properties in the body. However, conventional methods of modifying the surface of exosomes through carry the risk of structural damage or functional degradation. Moreover, these methods have limitations in accurately quantifying the attached substances.

To overcome these limitations, the research team has developed a protein adapter-based platform . This newly developed technology is designed to stably attach various functional substances to the surface of exosomes without directly modifying their surfaces. Experimental results confirmed the feasibility of producing tailored exosomes using this approach.

Time-lapse video of diffusive state transitions in CAP on the cell membrane. Credit: ACS Nano (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c15441

In addition, the team successfully quantified the amount of drug attached to individual exosomes using . This achievement helps address the lack of quantitative analysis methods in conventional drug development and enhances the clinical applicability of -based therapeutics. In particular, the team demonstrated that exosomes conjugated with antibodies can effectively target and improve anticancer efficacy.

Professor Yea of DGIST stated, "This research brings us closer to developing next-generation therapeutics using exosomes. We expect this platform technology, which supports the modular assembly of functional elements, to facilitate the development of therapeutics optimized for various diseases."

More information: Juhee Jang et al, Modular and Nondisturbing Chimeric Adaptor Protein for Surface Chemistry of Small Extracellular Vesicles, ACS Nano (2025).

Journal information: ACS Nano

Citation: Modular protein adapter technology enables exosome-based precision drug delivery (2025, April 24) retrieved 27 April 2025 from /news/2025-04-modular-protein-technology-enables-exosome.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Exosome nanoporator: A nanofluidic device to develop exosome-based drug delivery vehicles

0 shares

Feedback to editors