SMART EXOSOMES IN ACTION: STIMULI-RESPONSIVE STRATEGIES FOR CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY

Exosomes are considered to be very promising nanocarriers in innovative approaches to drug delivery owing to their biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and inherent capacity to facilitate intercellular communication. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the development of construction of stimuli-responsive exosome-based drug delivery systems, whereby therapeutic delivery can be targeted and controlled in response to a particular physiological or external stimulus. This review provides a comprehensive overview of exosomes biology, their formation, structure and main aspects that affect their formation and functional characteristics. Special focus is given to the incorporation of stimuli-responsive approaches into exosome-based systems.