Table 3 Comparison of the methods utilized for loading of therapeutic agents into exosomes
From: Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles: reliable tools for Cancer diagnosis and clinical applications
Methods | Therapeutic agents | Advantage | limits |
|---|---|---|---|
Incubation | Paclitaxel/Curcumin, siRNAs, Porphyrins, Catalase, Doxirubicin | simple | Low loading efficiency Drugs may harm cells |
Electroporation | Doxirubicin, siRNAs, linear DNA, Catalase | large molecules can be loaded | Low loading efficiency, Interrupts exosome integrity, siRNA clump |
Extrusion | Porphyrins, Catalase | High drug loading efficiency | Alternations in membrane |
Sonication | Paclitaxel, siRNAs, Catalase, | High drug loading efficiency, Suitable for small RNAs | Alternations in membrane Not suitable for hydrophobic agents |
Freeze/thaw | Catalase, DOX | Potential of membranes fusion | Low loading Efficiency Cramped exosomes |
Saponin-assisted | Catalase, Porphyrins, DOX | Relative high drug loading efficiency | Toxicity and harmful effects long protocol |