Exosome Augmentation Technologies for Drug Delivery and Disease Treatment: A Review

Exosomes are nanovesicles secreted by cells to exchange materials and information. Recent studies have revealed that these modified nanovesicles can be powerful tools for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. However, few studies have reported on the acquisition and application of these functionalized exosomes. Therefore, this study provides a systematic summary of the entire process of isolation, functionalization, modification, and application of enhanced exosomes and recent progress in this field. First, the process of exosome production and principles of disease treatment are elucidated. Thereafter, the methods of exosome isolation are summarized, with a focus on improved technology centered on aptamer technology and new technology represented by microfluidics. Next, the functional modifications of the exosomes are classified and summarized. Finally, new breakthroughs in the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of function-enhancing exosomes compared with those of traditional exosomes are summarized, especially in terms of how these exosomes can be used in bioimaging, photothermal therapy, and other means of achieving a quantum leap in detection and therapeutic efficacy. This paper summarizes the latest research findings on engineered exosomes, with a particular focus on emerging technologies such as microfluidics and aptamers that hold significant potential. It provides a thorough analysis of their respective advantages and limitations, aiming to offer actionable insights for the future advancement and more complex applications of exosomes.