Lactobacillus-derived artificial extracellular vesicles for skin rejuvenation and prevention of photo-aging

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound sacs released by cells that play crucial roles in intercellular communication. They transport biomolecules between cells and have both diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Artificial EVs, designed to mimic natural EVs, have been developed using various methods. In this study, Lactobacillus plantarum was used to create Lactobacillus-derived artificial EVs (LAEs) for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging. LAEs demonstrated monodispersity and effectively improved adverse gene expression and wound healing in fibroblasts. They also modulated aging-related genes and improved skin conditions in humans. Their simplicity, promptness, and lack of animal-derived sources make LAEs a promising alternative to natural EVs. LAEs have the potential to overcome the technical limitations of artificial EVs and advance EVs or exosome-based technologies for comprehensive skin rejuvenation.