Tapping the potential of bone regeneration by delivery of concentrated extracellular vesicles to the fracture site: A new horizon in bone regeneration therapy research?

Background A small pilot study was conducted in order to investigate in situ regenerative potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in a rat subcutaneous implant model. Material and methods An implant device was implanted in the axillary regions of four animals and consisted of a rat ABC enriched with an EV isolate obtained from human patients 7-21 days post bone fracture, or healthy individuals. Results Upon histological examination of the implanted devices, there were clear evidence of early signs of immature cartilage and bone formation in the implants of fracture-EV treated animals, 21 days post implantation. Conclusion These preliminary results suggest a potential for near-term innovation in the development of an affordable, non-invasive and completely autologous therapeutic device that can potentially enhance the existing regenerative capacity of skeletal tissues. EV can be used to concentrate the body’s inherent regenerative potential and utilise it as a personalised self-healing therapy.