Introduction: Exosomes are extracellular nanovesicles that are secreted from various ranges of cells including different stem cells representing features and contents of the source. The unique characteristics and efficient functions of exosomes have made them more preferable options for regenerative purposes and also drug delivery systems. Exosomes are already employed in various fields like wound healing, anti-cancer therapy, anti-aging studies, neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in cardiovascular, hepatic, pulmonary and renal tissue repair.
Methods: Literature review of current study was based on the systematic search in valid databases like PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. all articles containing keywords “Exosome”, “Regenerative Medicine”, “Stem cell”, and “Cell-free” in the title, published during past five years (2018-2023), have been included; then abstracts and main texts were scanned.
Results: The superiority of the exosomes is still controversial hence stem cells are more extensive and complicated for reaching full potential regeneration. evidently there are some drawbacks about exosomes like low yield and difficult manufacturing, but higher safety against neoplastic proliferation, lower antigenicity, stability and better storage, small size (entering blood brain barrier), ease of application through various routes, tissue specificity and controlled targeted therapy, better intercellular communication and signaling for improved regulation and modulation of immune and inflammatory procedures, and evidence of better results in resolving certain health problems.
Conclusion: Exosomes can be applied in regenerative medicine due to their unique characteristics and advantages over stem cell therapy, compensating the limitations and improving the functional efficiency.
Keywords: Exosomes, Extracellular Vesicles, Stem Cells, Regenerative Medicine