ZIF-8/doxorubicin nanoparticles camouflaged with Cucurbita-derived exosomes for targeted prostate cancer therapy

exosomes decreased cell viability and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in PC-3 cells without affecting the normal cells. The biomimetic CEXO@ZIF-8/DOX improved immune escaping ability and hemocompatibility. The targeted nanocarrier, with augmented uptake and cellular toxicity in EpCAM-positive PC-3 cells, indicated active targeting efficacy mediated by the EpCAM aptamer. These results were supported by animal experiments that implied the effectiveness of Apt-CEXO@ZIF-8/DOX in inhibiting tumor growth without adverse side effects. This study introduces a novel functional nanocarrier that could potentially revolutionize DDSs by utilizing safer and more biocompatible plant exosomes.