PNExo™ Exosome-Carrot(PNE-VC16)

Main Active Components in Carrot and Their Effects

• Beta-carotene: Converts to vitamin A in the body, essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.
• Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Protect eyes from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
• Vitamin A: Supports vision, immune system, and reproduction.
• Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and aids in collagen production for healthy skin.
• Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health.
• Vitamin B6: Helps with brain development and function, and aids in converting food into energy.
• Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
• Iron: Vital for hemoglobin formation and oxygen transport in the blood.
• Potassium: Regulates fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.
• Antioxidants: Carotenoids and other antioxidants in carrots neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

What Are Carrot-Derived Exosomes?

Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles secreted by cells that play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication. Carrot-derived exosomes, specifically, are extracellular vesicles harvested from carrot cells, known for their high yield and purity compared to other plant sources. These exosomes encapsulate the active nutrients and antioxidants found in carrots during their formation, providing a potent delivery system for these bioactive compounds.
Carrot-derived exosomes share the recognized characteristics of exosomes, such as a size of approximately 140 nm and negative electronegativity. They have demonstrated exceptional antioxidant activity, making them promising candidates for various therapeutic applications.

Isolation of carrot-derived nanovesicles and their antioxidant effects on cardiac and neural cells. (Kim D K, et al., 2021)

Applications of Carrot-Derived Exosomes

• Therapeutic Potential of Carrot-Derived Exosomes

  Carrot-derived exosomes hold immense promise in therapeutic applications due to their bioactive properties. Research has shown that they do not cause harm to mouse-derived cardiomyocytes. Instead, they significantly reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in H2O2-induced cardiomyocytes, preventing apoptosis and enhancing cell viability.
  The antioxidant effects of carrot-derived exosomes are mediated by upregulating the expression of antioxidant proteins (HO-1 and NQO-1) and their transcription factor (Nrf-2). This mechanism underscores their potential in treating cardiovascular diseases, where oxidative stress is a major contributing factor.
  Additionally, carrot-derived exosomes have shown neuroprotective effects. In a neurotoxin-induced neuroblastoma model, these exosomes rendered SH-SY5Y cells resistant to oxidative stress, indicating their potential as therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease.

• Diagnostic Advancements of Carrot-Derived Exosomes

  In diagnostics, carrot-derived exosomes offer a novel and non-invasive approach. Their ability to transfer bioactive molecules to target cells makes them excellent candidates for delivering diagnostic markers. By labeling these exosomes with fluorescent dyes, researchers can trace their path and interaction with target cells, providing valuable insights into cellular processes and disease mechanisms.
  This capability can be harnessed to develop diagnostic tools for early disease detection. For instance, the presence of specific biomarkers in carrot-derived exosomes can indicate the onset of certain conditions, enabling timely intervention and treatment.

• Carrot-Derived Exosomes in Skin Care and Cosmetic Industry

  The cosmetic industry is increasingly exploring the benefits of plant-derived exosomes, and carrot-derived exosomes are no exception. Their high antioxidant activity is particularly beneficial for skin care. Oxidative stress is a major factor in skin aging, leading to wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and pigmentation. By combating oxidative stress, carrot-derived exosomes can help maintain youthful and healthy skin.
  Moreover, the nutrients encapsulated in these exosomes, such as vitamins and minerals, nourish the skin, promoting repair and regeneration. This makes carrot-derived exosomes a valuable ingredient in anti-aging creams, serums, and other skincare products.

References

1. Kim D K, Rhee W J. Antioxidative effects of carrot-derived nanovesicles in cardiomyoblast and neuroblastoma cells. Pharmaceutics. 2021. 13(8): 1203.
2. Li A, Li D, Gu Y, et al. Plant-derived nanovesicles: Further exploration of biomedical function and application potential. Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B. 2023. 13(8): 3300-3320.

Case study 1: Kim D K, 2021

Oxidative stress, a contributing factor to a variety of illnesses including heart-related and brain-degenerative disorders, is known to trigger programmed cell death. In an effort to counteract oxidative stress, the research focused on the potential of Carex, a nanovesicle derived from carrots, to exhibit antioxidant activity in heart muscle cells and cells associated with neuroblastoma. The Carex nanovesicles were successfully purified through a combination of size-exclusion chromatography and ultrafiltration techniques, resulting in a concentrated preparation. The characterization process revealed that Carex possesses characteristics akin to those of extracellular vesicles, while also demonstrating minimal toxicity in both H9C2 heart muscle cells and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.
The application of Carex notably reduced the production of reactive oxygen species and cell death in simulated scenarios of heart attack and Parkinson's disease, by sustaining the levels of key antioxidant proteins such as Nrf-2, HO-1, and NQO-1. Given its robust antioxidant capabilities and the efficiency of its production, Carex emerges as a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of these diseases, underscoring the potential of nanovesicles derived from botanical sources.

Figure 1. The impact of Carex on antioxidant and apoptosis activities in H9C2 cardiac myoblasts. (A) H9C2 cells were exposed to a concentration of 1 × 10^11 particles/mL of Carex to induce oxidative stress via H2O2. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the cells were visualized in green, and the cell nuclei were counterstained in blue using the fluorescent dyes H2DCFDA and Hoechst 33342, respectively. The images were captured under a fluorescence microscope, with scale bars representing 100 micrometers. (B) The cells were treated with varying doses of Carex for 24 hours prior to H2O2 exposure. The WST-1 assay was employed to determine the cells' viability. (C) The effect of Carex on the inhibition of Caspase-3 activity in H9C2 cells was assessed. (D–F) The relative expression levels of Nrf-2 (D), HO-1 (E), and NQO-1 (F) mRNA were quantified using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. (G) Protein levels of Nrf-2 and HO-1 were analyzed by Western blot, with GAPDH serving as a loading control. Data are presented as mean values with standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance is indicated by asterisks (* for p < 0.05, *** for p < 0.001; n = 3).

Figure 2. Carex-mediated reduction of oxidative and apoptotic impacts in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. (A) The influence of varying concentrations of Carex on cell population and its potential to induce cell death was quantitatively assessed. (B) The capacity of Carex to counteract apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 6-OHDA was evaluated through the WST-1 viability assay. (C) The suppression of caspase-3 enzymatic activity in SH-SY5Y cells given a Carex particle concentration of 1 × 10^11/mL was observed. (D–F) The relative transcript levels of Nrf-2, HO-1, and NQO-1, as determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), were analyzed in SH-SY5Y cells following 6-OHDA treatment. Data are presented as mean values with standard deviations (* indicates p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001; replicates = 3).

References

1. Kim D K, Rhee W J. Antioxidative effects of carrot-derived nanovesicles in cardiomyoblast and neuroblastoma cells. Pharmaceutics. 2021. 13(8): 1203.

• What is the concentration and yield of carrot exosomes from a standard batch?

  Our standard batch yields approximately 1 mg of carrot exosomes per 100 g of fresh carrots, with a concentration typically around 1x10^12 particles/mL, though exact specifications can vary between batches.

• How are carrot exosomes characterized to ensure high purity and consistency?

  We can characterize them using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to ensure high purity and consistency.

• Can you provide detailed information on the size distribution and zeta potential of carrot exosomes?

  The size distribution of carrot exosomes typically ranges from 50 to 150 nm, with an average size of about 140 nm. The zeta potential is generally around -30 mV, indicating good stability.

• Can carrot exosomes be customized for specific applications, such as targeted drug delivery?

  Yes, we offer customization services to tailor carrot exosomes for specific applications. Our team can modify the exosome surface or load them with specific therapeutic agents as required.

• How do carrot exosomes compare with exosomes derived from other plant sources in terms of efficacy and safety?

  Carrot exosomes have shown higher yield and purity compared to exosomes from other plant sources. They also exhibit strong antioxidative properties and low cytotoxicity.

More Questions