Nanofiber formation as a promising technology for preservation and easy storage of extracellular vesicles

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived, membrane-enclosed particles with the potential for a wide range of future therapeutic applications. However, EVs have almost always been administered by direct injection, likely hindering their efficacy because of rapid clearance from the injection site. The present study aimed to incorporate medium-sized extracellular vesicles (mEVs) into fast-dissolving electrospun polyvinylpyrrolidone-based nanofibers to explore the storage-dependent structure–activity relationship of the resulting nanofibrous formulations. Aqueous polyvinylpyrrolidone-based precursor solutions were selected for the electrospinning process. The presence of EVs in the electrospun samples was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and confocal laser scanning microscope. The results indicate that the fibrous structure of the samples was preserved until the end of the 12-week storage period. Furthermore, regardless of the storage temperature (4 °C or room temperature), nanofibers and nanofiber-associated EVs were present throughout the experimental period. Incorporating EVs into a stable solid polymeric delivery base could preserve their stability; meanwhile, according to the characteristics of the polymer, their targeted and controlled release can be achieved.