Exosomes as Next-Generation Carriers for Brain Drug Delivery: Engineering, Formulation, Characterization, and Neurotherapeutic Applications

BACKGROUND: Exosomes, nanoscale extracellular vesicles, have emerged as promising drug delivery carriers due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver therapeutic cargo efficiently. Their biocompatibility and capacity for engineering make them ideal candidates for treating neurological disorders. METHODS: This review examines various strategies for exosome engineering, including donor cell selection, isolation techniques, and cargo loading methods. Key characterization techniques such as nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), electron microscopy, and biomarker profiling are discussed. Additionally, in-vitro and in-vivo models used to evaluate exosome- mediated drug delivery efficacy are analyzed. RESULTS: Exosomes have demonstrated significant potential in neurotherapeutic applications, including targeted drug delivery for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, glioblastoma therapy, and neural repair in stroke models. Clinical studies and experimental models confirm their ability to encapsulate and protect therapeutic molecules, enhance drug stability, and ensure precise targeting. However, challenges such as large-scale production, reproducibility, and safety concerns remain. CONCLUSION: Exosomes represent a transformative approach to overcoming BBB-related drug delivery challenges, providing a natural, non-invasive platform for neurological therapies. Advances in engineering techniques and characterization will be critical to optimizing their therapeutic potential and clinical translation.