Hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels: As an exosome delivery system in bone regeneration

Abstract

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing various ingredients such as DNA, RNA, lipids and proteins, which play a significant role in intercellular communication. Numerous studies have demonstrated the important role of exosomes in bone regeneration through promoting the expression of osteogenic-related genes and proteins in mesenchymal stem cells. However, the low targeting ability and short circulating half-life of exosomes limited their clinical application. In order to solve those problems, different delivery systems and biological scaffolds have been developed. Hydrogel is a kind of absorbable biological scaffold composed of three-dimensional hydrophilic polymers. It not only has excellent biocompatibility and superior mechanical strength but can also provide a suitable nutrient environment for the growth of the endogenous cells. Thus, the combination between exosomes and hydrogels can improve the stability and maintain the biological activity of exosomes while achieving the sustained release of exosomes in the bone defect sites. As an important component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes such as cell differentiation, proliferation, migration, inflammation, angiogenesis, tissue regeneration, wound healing and cancer. In recent years, hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels have been used as an exosome delivery system for bone regeneration and have displayed positive effects. This review mainly summarized the potential mechanism of HA and exosomes in promoting bone regeneration and the application prospects and challenges of hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels as exosome delivery devices in bone regeneration.

Proteomic analysis of exosomal proteins associated with bone healing speed in a rat tibial fracture model

“…Bone healing is a complex process regulated by various biological factors, including the role of exosomes in facilitating intercellular communication and modulating cellular processes (Deng et al, 2023). In this study, we first examined the bone healing process in an animal model of rat tibial fractures, followed by an investigation of the differences in exosomal protein expression profiles between the normal, heal fast and heal slow groups.…”

Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Promote Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration

“…Exosomes play crucial roles in intercellular communication and have demonstrated therapeutic effects in various areas, including skin and bone regeneration and cardiac function recovery. However, their clinical application has been limited due to challenges such as low targeting ability and a short half-life in circulation [ 24 , 25 ]. To overcome these limitations, researchers have developed biodegradable or highly porous hydrogels as delivery systems for exosomes, enabling sustained therapeutic effects [ 24 ].…”

Hydrogel-based treatments for spinal cord injuries

“…HA is involved in many cellular physiological processes such as differentiation and proliferation. Three-dimensional network-like hydrogels can simulate the ECM to a certain extent, and synergistic stem cells can play an active role in tissue repair [ 82 ]. HA hydrogels are widely used because of their superior biocompatibility and biological activity.…”