Unlocking Potential: Tiny Capsules from Plant Cells Show Promise

Jenn Hoskins
12th July, 2024

Unlocking Potential: Tiny Capsules from Plant Cells Show Promise

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Yeditepe University studied extracellular vesicles (EVs) from Stevia rebaudiana and Vaccaria hispanica
  • These plant cell suspension-derived EVs (PCSEVs) are spherical and less than 200 nm in size
  • Stevia-derived EVs mainly contain proteins involved in extracellular structures, while Vaccaria-derived EVs have more cytosolic proteins
The study of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has become a rapidly evolving field due to their potential in biomarker discovery and therapeutic applications. EVs are tiny, lipid bilayer-enclosed structures secreted by cells, playing a crucial role in intercellular communication by transporting a variety of biomolecules such as proteins and lipids. A recent study conducted by researchers at Yeditepe University has delved into the characterization of plant cell suspension-derived extracellular vesicles (PCSEVs) obtained from Stevia rebaudiana and Vaccaria hispanica, shedding light on their potential therapeutic applications[1]. EVs have been extensively studied in the context of human cells, with significant advancements made in understanding their biology and potential applications[2]. However, the exploration of plant extracellular vesicles (PEVs) is relatively new. PEVs are particularly intriguing due to their potential to transport biomolecules and their therapeutic implications in conditions such as inflammation and oxidative stress. Despite their promise, challenges remain in standardizing and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of PEVs, primarily due to difficulties in removing endosomes and plant-derived biomolecules. In their study, the researchers aimed to address these challenges by characterizing PCSEVs from two different plant cell suspension cultures. Using advanced techniques such as ultrafiltration, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), they isolated and characterized these vesicles. Their findings revealed that PCSEVs are spherical in shape and less than 200 nm in size. The fatty acid analysis showed that the primary components in these vesicles were palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and cis-vaccenic acid. This detailed profiling is crucial as it provides insights into the molecular composition of PCSEVs, which is essential for understanding their functions and potential therapeutic applications. Interestingly, the study found differences in the protein content of EVs derived from the two plant sources. Stevia rebaudiana-derived EVs (SDEVs) were largely associated with proteins involved in extracellular structures and functions, whereas Vaccaria hispanica-derived EVs (HDEVs) displayed a higher presence of cytosolic proteins. This distinction in protein content could have implications for their respective therapeutic potentials and functionalities. The potential of PEVs in therapeutic applications is further supported by earlier studies. For instance, nanoparticles derived from edible plants like ginger and broccoli have shown promising results in drug delivery and maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis. Ginger-derived nanovectors (GDNVs) have been used to deliver the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (Dox) to treat colon cancer, demonstrating excellent biocompatibility and targeted delivery[3]. Similarly, broccoli-derived nanoparticles (BDNs) have been shown to protect against colitis by targeting dendritic cells and activating specific immune pathways[4]. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of plant-derived nanoparticles, including PEVs. The current study from Yeditepe University expands on this foundation by providing a detailed characterization of PCSEVs, highlighting their unique molecular compositions and potential applications. By addressing the challenges in standardizing PEVs and enhancing their therapeutic efficacy, this research opens up new avenues for the use of plant-derived EVs in various fields, including medicine and biotechnology. In conclusion, the study of PCSEVs from Stevia rebaudiana and Vaccaria hispanica represents a significant step forward in the field of extracellular vesicle research. By providing a comprehensive analysis of their molecular composition and potential therapeutic applications, this research contributes to our understanding of PEVs and paves the way for future innovations. The findings from this study, along with previous research on plant-derived nanoparticles, highlight the promising prospects of using plant-based EVs for therapeutic purposes.

MedicineBiotechPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Unveiling the potential: Extracellular vesicles from plant cell suspension cultures as a promising source.

Published 11th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.2090

Related Studies

2) Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approaches.

https://doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12404

3) Edible Ginger-derived Nano-lipids Loaded with Doxorubicin as a Novel Drug-delivery Approach for Colon Cancer Therapy.

https://doi.org/10.1038/mt.2016.159

4) Broccoli-Derived Nanoparticle Inhibits Mouse Colitis by Activating Dendritic Cell AMP-Activated Protein Kinase.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.01.025


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