Biomedical properties and emerging translational potential of bovine milk extracellular vesicles

Extracellular vesicles have garnered significant attention in the biomedical field due to their potential as therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools. Bovine milk extracellular vesicles (BMEVs), in particular, have emerged as a promising tool in biomedical research due to their unique biocompatibility, stability, and ease of isolation. As an alternative to extracellular vesicles sourced from human cells, such as stem cells or blood, these naturally occurring nanovesicles are increasingly recognized for their dual role as potential therapeutic carriers and diagnostic candidates. To map the evolution and knowledge structure of the field, we conducted a CiteSpace analysis that reveals how BMEVs research has expanded beyond nutritional science to emerge as a versatile biomedical platform with rapidly broadening applications. Also, this review systematically examines the biogenesis, isolation techniques, and structural features of BMEVs, while highlighting their applications in drug delivery, disease therapy, and diagnostics. Current preclinical studies provide preclinical evidence supporting potential therapeutic applications. However, clinical safety, therapeutic efficacy, reproducibility, dosing, biodistribution, immunogenicity, large-scale manufacturing, and regulatory acceptance remain to be established. Future research should focus on optimizing drug-loading strategies, enhancing targeted delivery, and exploring novel biomedical applications.