Milk exosomes: A biogenic nanocarrier for small molecules and macromolecules to combat cancer

Am J Reprod Immunol. 2021 Feb;85(2):e13349. doi: 10.1111/aji.13349. Epub 2020 Oct 6.

Abstract

Exosomes are unique biogenic nanocarriers of endocytic origin that are generated from most of the cells and found in biofluids like milk, plasma, saliva, and urine. Bovine milk represents the largest and an economic source for the production of exosomes. In recent past, the utility of the milk exosomes as drug carriers is intensified. Exosomes are emerging for delivery of both small and large therapeutics due to their biocompatibility. In this article, we highlighted the various exosomal isolation techniques, physicochemical properties, their biodistribution, and utility of milk exosomes in delivering the small drug molecules and siRNA to combat cancer.

Keywords: cancer; chemotherapy; gene therapy; milk exosomes; targeted delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biological Therapy / methods*
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Exosomes / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Milk / metabolism*
  • Nanostructures
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • RNA, Small Interfering