Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles as next generation drug delivery platforms

doi:10.4252/wjsc.120363

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World Journal of Stem Cells

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1948-0210

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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA

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Copyright: ©Author(s) 2026. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. No commercial re-use. See permissions. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.

World J Stem Cells. Jul 26, 2026; 18(7): 120363
Published online Jul 26, 2026. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.120363

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles as next generation drug delivery platforms

Sara Akhtar Khan, Saurabh Kumar Jha, Prachi Tiwari, Jagriti Narang, Vinamre Gupta, Sachin Kumar Singh, Kushi Anand, Ramya Lakshmi Rajendran, Prakash Gangadaran, Suhel Parvez

Sara Akhtar Khan, Department of Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, Delhi, India

Saurabh Kumar Jha, Department of Zoology, Kalindi College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110008, India

Saurabh Kumar Jha, Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, India

Prachi Tiwari, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Nursing Sciences and Allied Health, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, Delhi, India

Jagriti Narang, Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, Delhi, India

Vinamre Gupta, Department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, National Audubon Society, New York, NY 10014, United States

Sachin Kumar Singh, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India

Kushi Anand, Department of Life Sciences, School of Biological and Forensic Science, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), Bangalore 560077, Karnātaka, India

Ramya Lakshmi Rajendran, BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future Talents, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, South Korea

Ramya Lakshmi Rajendran, Prakash Gangadaran, Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, South Korea

Ramya Lakshmi Rajendran, Prakash Gangadaran, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, South Korea

Suhel Parvez, Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, Delhi, India

Co-first authors: Sara Akhtar Khan and Saurabh Kumar Jha.

Co-corresponding authors: Prakash Gangadaran and Suhel Parvez.

Author contributions: Khan SA, Jha SK, Tiwari P, Narang J, Gupta V, Singh SK, Anand K, Rajendran RL, Gangadaran P, and Parvez S contributed to the conceptualization and overall design of the manuscript; Khan SA, Jha SK, Tiwari P, Narang J, Gupta V, Singh SK, and Anand K performed the literature review and drafted the original manuscript; Rajendran RL, Gangadaran P, and Parvez S contributed to the scientific structuring, critical discussion, and manuscript editing; Gangadaran P and Parvez S supervised the study, conducted critical revision, and approved the final version of the manuscript. Khan SA and Jha SK contributed equally to this work and are regarded as co-first authors. Gangadaran P and Parvez S served as co-corresponding authors and contributed equally to supervision, critical revision, and final approval of the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

AI contribution statement: Declaration of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process an AI-based tools (Wordvice AI or ChatGPT by OpenAI, GPT-5.2, accessed May 2026) was used under author supervision in a limited manner to improve English expression, clarify structure, and adjust word count in manuscript text and answer reviewers. The authors reviewed and edited the content independently and took full responsibility for the final manuscript.

Supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education, No. NRF-2022R1I1A1A01068652.

Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.

Corresponding author: Prakash Gangadaran, PhD, Professor, Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, No. 680 Gukchaebosang ro, Jung gu, Daegu 41944, South Korea. prakashg@knu.ac.kr

Received: February 26, 2026
Revised: May 9, 2026
Accepted: June 5, 2026
Published online: July 26, 2026
Processing time: 149 Days and 5.5 Hours

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have become potential next-generation drug delivery systems that combine the biological effectiveness of cell-based therapies with the reliability and controllability of acellular approaches. MSC-EVs are nanoscale vesicles enclosed by membranes that can carry proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, facilitating directed intercellular communication and therapeutic regulation. This review offers an extensive summary of the biological foundation of MSC-EVs, their advantages compared to traditional nanocarriers and the mechanisms that regulate targeted delivery to diseased microenvironments. We methodically examine present methods for therapeutic cargo loading, encompassing both passive and active techniques, genetic and biogenic modifications of parental mesenchymal stem cells, along with surface functionalization. Recent developments in hybrid and stimuli-responsive extracellular vesicle platforms that improve stability, targeting accuracy, and controlled release are also emphasized. Additionally, we outline preclinical and upcoming clinical uses of MSC-EVs in cancer, cardiovascular, ischemic and various other diseased conditions. Ultimately, we thoroughly assess the translational hurdles associated with large-scale production, standardization, storage, safety and regulatory processes while highlighting prospects for upcoming clinical advancements. In summary, this review highlights the transformative capability of MSC-EVs as adaptable and biologically smart drug delivery systems, while emphasizing the need for aligned technological, regulatory and clinical progress to facilitate their effective conversion into authorized therapies.

Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles; Regenerative medicine; Drug delivery; Disease therapy; Translational nanomedicine

Core Tip: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) can be modified to transport therapeutic agents like small drug molecules, RNA or proteins via various loading techniques. Engineered MSC-EVs facilitate focused delivery to affected tissues such as tumors, cardiovascular damage, neurological issues, inflammatory conditions and wound areas through receptor-mediated absorption and microenvironment-responsive pathways. The inherent biocompatibility, targeting ability and adaptability of MSC-EVs establish them as potential platforms for precision drug delivery and regenerative therapies.