Work

Hybrid exosome–liposome nanovesicles as delivery platforms for therapeutic applications: merging the best of both worlds

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Exosomes are increasingly employed to treat various diseases because of their remarkable ability to enhance the stability of encapsulated cargoes. This capability is attributed to their outstanding homologous targeting, desirable biocompatibility, and low immunogenicity, thereby contributing to improved therapeutic outcomes. Nevertheless, exosomes are constrained by some limitations, including poor loading capacity, inherent heterogeneity, and challenges in large-scale production. Consequently, hybrid exosome-liposome (EL) systems, which can circumvent these limitations, are playing an increasingly crucial role in therapeutic applications. Herein, we introduce the two primary strategies for drug loading into exosomes -- passive loading and active loading. We further elaborate on the fabrication methods of hybrid ELs and their applications in drug delivery, highlighting the innate advantages of these state-of-the-art nanovesicles over conventional exosomes and liposomes. Major challenges and future perspectives of hybrid ELs in treating various diseases are also discussed.

Source: Theranostics

DOI: 10.7150/thno.135691

Authors: Jian Yu, Lujiao Yu, Fei Ren, Kai Cui, Gongping Sun, Hong Pan

Institutions: Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, First Hospital of China Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Extracellular vesicles in disease

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,671