Plant-derived extracellular vesicles as nanocarriers: from bench to therapeutic application

Nanobiotechnology is revolutionizing biomedical science by enabling the design and deployment of nanoscale platforms for precise therapeutic delivery across a spectrum of diseases. Within this landscape, plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) have emerged as promising, sustainable, and biocompatible nanocarriers with broad therapeutic potential. Traditional synthetic nanocarriers, though effective, face persistent challenges in immunogenicity, toxicity, and large-scale production. Recent work has revealed that PDEVs possess innate bioactivity, natural tissue-targeting capacity, and unique potential for functionalization — enabling the delivery of diverse therapeutic cargo, including nucleic acids, proteins, and bioactive compounds, across a wide range of biological targets and disease contexts.Despite these advances, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding optimal extraction and engineering methods, mechanisms of cellular uptake, in vivo biodistribution, therapeutic specificity, and long-term nanosafety across different disease models. The field would benefit from systematic nanostructure characterization, advanced imaging, and robust evaluation of both therapeutic impact and ecological sustainability.This Research Topic aims to galvanize interdisciplinary innovation at the interface of plant vesicle nanotechnology and translational medicine. The central goal is to deepen understanding of PDEVs as intelligent, functional nanocarriers — driving the development of advanced, personalized, and environmentally responsible therapies across oncology, inflammation, metabolic disease, neurological conditions, and beyond. Specifically, we seek contributions that elucidate the engineering, biofunctionalization, characterization, imaging, and translational pathways of PDEVs, as well as new methodologies for evaluating their therapeutic efficacy, safety, and regulatory compliance. By drawing input from nanotechnology, engineering, material science, pharmacology, and the life sciences, this collection aspires to push the boundaries of plant-based nanomedicine and accelerate its clinical and commercial translation.Covering the rapidly growing frontier of plant vesicle-based nanobiotechnology for therapeutic application, this Research Topic emphasizes nanoscale fabrication, bioimaging, functionalized delivery, disease-specific targeting, and quantitative assessment. We welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Methods for extraction, purification, and advanced characterization of plant-derived extracellular vesicles- Nanoengineering and biofunctionalization for targeted delivery and controlled drug release- State-of-the-art imaging and tracking tools for visualizing vesicle–tissue interactions and biodistribution- Applications in oncology, inflammation, gut health, liver disease, neurological conditions, and wound healing- Nanosafety, toxicity profiling, and regulatory challenges of plant-derived nanocarriers- Integration of PDEVs with smart materials, responsive nanoparticles, or nanostructured biomaterials- Oral, systemic, and localised delivery strategies using plant-derived nanovesicles- Technological advances in upscaling, manufacturing, and sustainability of plant-based nanomedicine Topic editors: Sophia Hatziantoniou, Malleswara Rao Peram Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81794/plant-derived-extracellular-vesicles-as-nanocarriers-from-bench-to-therapeutic-application