Exosomes Isolated from Algae
Exosomes are most commonly associated with mammalian cells, but recently, it has been found that they are also present in other organisms, including plants, fungi, and algae. Algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms ranging from unicellular microalgae to large seaweeds. Algae have recently been recognized as an exciting new source of exosome production.
Exosomes isolated from algae, particularly microalgae, present unique advantages in both sustainability and versatility. These nanovesicles are biocompatible, eco-friendly, and packed with bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Algae-derived exosomes have unique properties that make them well-suited for therapeutic and biotechnological applications. In medicine, they function as efficient carriers for drug delivery. This enhances treatment precision and helps minimize side effects. They are also promising tools for immune modulation and anti-inflammatory therapies. Additionally, they may serve as diagnostic biomarkers. In biotechnology, their sustainable production from algae supports diverse applications. These include cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, and tools for environmental monitoring. With such a wide range of uses, algae-derived exosomes are driving innovation in both research and industry.
To support this growing field, Creative Biostructure offers an extensive range of high-quality, algae-derived exosomes. These are categorized into Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, Phaeophyta, and Rhodophyta, ensuring options tailored to diverse applications. For more specialized needs, we provide GMP-compliant isolation services and CDMO solutions to help bring your projects to life.
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Background
Algae found in aquatic and terrestrial environments. They include microalgae (unicellular, aquatic organisms), macroalgae (multicellular species in marine and freshwater habitats), and cyanobacteria (photosynthetic bacteria critical for nitrogen fixation and primary production).
Exosomes from algae share structural similarities with those from mammalian cells, ranging in size from 30 to 150 nm. However, their content reflects the unique biochemical composition of the algae they come from.
Figure 1. EV production in algal cells. The extracellular vesicle includes nucleic acids, such as mRNA, microRNA and small RNA (sRNA), proteins, and lipids. (Bayat F et al., 2021)
Algae produce various bioactive molecules, like lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, and antioxidants. These molecules play different roles in the algae's physiology, such as energy storage, protection against oxidative stress, or defense against pathogens. Interestingly, some algae species are also known to create secondary metabolites that have been linked to anticancer, antimicrobial, and even antiviral effects. This makes them a fascinating resource for developing things like pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and skincare products.
Figure 2. EVs-pathogen interaction in plants immunity responses. The algal sRNA in EVs suppressed fungal mRNA production in algal-fungal interaction. (Bayat F et al., 2021)
Isolating exosomes from algae usually involves methods similar to those used for mammalian cells, with optimization based on the specific properties of algae cells. Common techniques include ultracentrifugation, polymer precipitation, and Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). Ultracentrifugation is the most widely used method. In this method, the culture medium is first centrifuged to remove cell debris, followed by a high-speed centrifugation step to pellet the exosomes. While effective, this approach can be time-consuming and leads to the loss of smaller, labile exosomes. To tackle these challenges, other methods like Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC) can be used to improve both the yield and purity of the exosomes, making the process more efficient. Advanced methods, like microfluidics (MF) and immunocapture techniques, are starting to be explored for isolating exosomes from algae. These approaches can be more efficient and precise, cutting down on the time and cost compared to traditional methods.
Classification by Major Phyla
Exosomes from algae are derived from many different algae species with various biomolecular compositions that can be further classified according to the algae's taxonomy as Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, Phaeophyceae and Rhodophyta.
Exosomes Isolated from Chlorophyta (Green Algae)
Chlorophyta, or green algae, is a broad group that includes both unicellular and multicellular types, commonly found in freshwater and marine environments. Their green color comes from chlorophyll a and b, which help them carry out photosynthesis.
Studies have shown that exosomes from green algae, like Chlorella vulgaris, are packed with bioactive compounds, including antioxidants. These compounds might play a role in anti-aging, skin repair, and even supporting the immune system. Green algae are also able to produce polysaccharides and proteins that could be carried in exosomes, making them interesting candidates for drug delivery and other therapies.
Since green algae, such as Chlorella, are easy to cultivate and their exosomes are straightforward to isolate, they're gaining attention for various biotech uses. This includes everything from vaccine development to delivering therapeutic proteins or RNA. In addition, the ability to grow green algae at large scales makes them a promising option for producing exosomes in bigger quantities.
Exosomes Isolated from Cyanophyta (Cyanobacteria or Blue-Green Algae)
Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae are cyanophyte are a group of prokaryotic microorganisms. They play crucial roles in ecosystems, particularly in nitrogen fixation and oxygen production. Photosynthesis Cyanobacteria have chlorophyll and phycobilins, which give them their blue-green virulence. Notable examples include Dunaliella salina, Nostoc flagelliforme, and Spirulina.
Cyanobacterial exosomes have distinct properties due to their prokaryotic origin. Their molecular cargo can include proteins involved in cellular stress responses, signaling molecules, and small RNA species, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). It is now known that cyanobacterial exosomes contain antimicrobial molecules that could be used in environmental management to control pathogenic bacteria or form biofilms.
An advantage of cyanobacterial exosomes is that they carry RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. They could be used as a potential tool for genetic engineering, synthetic biology and delivery of RNA therapeutics. In addition, because of their small size and the capacity of cyanobacteria to reproduce to grow in extreme environments, such as hot springs or saline habitats. Cyanobacterial exosomes are also a promising candidate for biotechnological and pharmacological uses such as bioengineering and sustainable bioproduction.
Exosomes Isolated from Phaeophyceae (Brown Algae)
Phaeophyceae (brown algae) is a large, multicellular algae typically inhabiting cold marine environments. Brown algae are characterized by chlorophyll a and c and fucoxanthin—a carotenoid that makes brown. Examples of brown algae include Fucus vesiculosus, Laminaria japonica, and Sargassum.
Brown algae exosomes contain bioactive molecules such as polysaccharides (alginates, laminarins), proteins and polyphenols. Specific components of these exosome contents are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating. Particularly, brown algae polysaccharides with high water-binding capacity have potential as a drug carrier. In addition, brown algae-derived exosomes are a viable option for various therapeutic applications.
Brown algae-derived exosomes hold promise for various therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Their bioactive properties could be used to treat inflammatory diseases, support wound healing, and enhance immune responses. In skincare, these exosomes show great potential. Their rich content of polysaccharides and antioxidants may improve skin health, provide anti-aging benefits, and help combat oxidative stress.
Exosomes Isolated from Rhodophyta (Red Algae)
Rhodophyta (red algae) are mostly marine algae, and they're red because of phycoerythrin. These red algae make a multitude of bioactive molecules, such as sulfated polysaccharides like agar and carrageenan, which are widely used in food, pharmaceuticals and biotechnological applications. Notable red algae species include Porphyra and Gracilaria.
Rhodophyte exosomes are unique due to their composition of polysaccharide and protein with many of them being antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Exosomes of red algae have been looked at as a way to deliver drugs—especially to encapsulate and deliver polysaccharides and other molecules of interest. The sulfated polysaccharides found in red algae exosomes, for example, were shown to have anticoagulant properties, which may have uses in cardiovascular diseases.
Applications of Exosomes Isolated from Algae
Drug Delivery
Exosomes have emerged as attractive nano-transporters for drugs. Their ability to carry therapeutic molecules—nucleic acids, proteins and small molecules—and their natural permeability to specific cells make exosomes a good option for drug delivery. PNExo™ exosomes are useful especially the algae-derived ones, with their stable properties and compatibility with many biomolecules.
Biotechnology
Algae exosomes are effective carriers for genetic tools like siRNA or CRISPR, advancing gene editing and synthetic biology. Their scalability and ability to deliver bioactives make them useful in producing specialized compounds for pharmaceuticals and industrial applications, driving eco-friendly innovations in biotechnology.
Nutraceuticals
Algae-derived exosomes enhance functional foods with bioactive compounds like polysaccharides and antioxidants, supporting overall wellness and immunity. Their natural composition makes them ideal for dietary supplements and beverages targeting health-conscious consumers. These exosomes offer a sustainable, health-boosting ingredient for nutraceutical innovations.
Skincare and Cosmetics
Exosomes are gaining attention for their potential in skincare, especially when it comes to rejuvenating and protecting the skin. Algae-derived exosomes, from species like Chlorella or Haematococcus, are packed with antioxidants. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, which can lead to aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines. Research is showing that these exosomes can help repair and hydrate the skin, boost elasticity, and even out pigmentation. This makes them an exciting addition to anti-aging products and a great way to shield the skin from daily environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Algae exosomes support wound healing by promoting tissue repair and reducing scarring. Their anti-inflammatory properties help manage chronic inflammatory conditions, while their antimicrobial effects offer innovative solutions for infections, including those resistant to antibiotics.
Environmental Management
With antimicrobial properties, algae exosomes aid in bioremediation by controlling biofilms and bacteria in water systems. In agriculture, they act as biofertilizers or biopesticides, enhancing crop growth while promoting sustainable and chemical-free farming practices.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Exploring Marine Algae-Derived Exosomes for Breast Cancer Treatment: A New Frontier
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women globally, necessitating continuous advancements in treatment strategies. Recent research highlights the potential of marine algae-derived exosomes—nanoparticles naturally released by cells that carry DNA, RNA, and proteins. Known for their non-toxic and immune-compatible properties, exosomes are emerging as promising agents in cancer therapy and drug delivery. Research has shown that three-dimensional (3D) cancer models are advantageous for studying the effects of drugs. This hypothesis aims to design a 3D model of breast cancer in vitro and evaluate cell growth after treatment with a marine algae-derived exosome.
A meticulous exosome extraction and validation process involves advanced techniques like SEM, zeta potential measurement, and western blot analysis. This hypothesis is presented to introduce a new method of treating breast cancer. In this study, the extraction of exosomes from marine algae is discussed for the first time. The researchers hope the marine algae-derived exosome inhibits breast cancer. This research can be done in the laboratory to prove or disprove this hypothesis in future studies.
Figure 3. Steps of designing and testing hypotheses. (Rahmati S, et al., 2023)
Case Study 2: Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Haematococcus pluvialis Growth and Metabolite Synthesis
Microalgae-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial for cell-to-cell communication, environmental adaptation, and bioactive molecule delivery. In this study, Haematococcus pluvialis-derived EVs (HpEVs) were isolated and characterized to explore their influence on growth and metabolism. HpEVs exhibited typical EV morphology and size, were consistently secreted throughout growth, and affected physiological processes and metabolite synthesis in recipient cells. Short-term inhibition of HpEV secretion altered cellular molecular responses, while continuous inhibition hindered growth, fatty acid, and astaxanthin accumulation.
Functional analysis revealed stage-specific miRNA profiles within HpEVs, identifying 163 miRNAs, with 12 differentially expressed miRNAs targeting key processes like lipid metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Among HpEV treatments, HpEVs-1 and HpEVs-2 promoted cell growth, whereas HpEVs-3 enhanced metabolic product accumulation, including higher carotenoid and fatty acid levels. In contrast, inhibition of EV release using GW4869 suppressed growth, reduced astaxanthin and fatty acid content, and affected chlorophyll and carotenoid levels.
These findings highlight the regulatory roles of HpEVs in H. Pluvialis growth and metabolite synthesis, demonstrating their potential for optimizing algal biotechnology applications.
Figure 4. Effects of HpEVs on cell growth and single cell pigment content of H. Pluvialis. a Effects of HpEVs on the development of H. Pluvialis. b Effects of HpEVs on single cell chlorophyll-a content of H. Pluvialis. c Effects of HpEVs on single cell chlorophyll-b content of H. Pluvialis. d Effects of HpEVs on single cell carotenoids content of H. Pluvialis. For all figures, error bars indicate the standard deviation of triplicate measurements (*p < 0.05. **p < 0.01; one-way analysis of variance). (Hu Q, et al., 2024)
Product Advantages
- High Purity and Quality: Our PNExo™ exosomes undergo strict purification to meet the highest quality standards, making them perfect for drug delivery, biomedicine and skincare. With PNExo™, you can rely on accurate, dependable results for your research.
- Bioactive Composition: Algae exosomes are naturally packed with a variety of bioactive molecules, including antioxidants, polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins. These compounds are not only beneficial for cosmetic applications but also hold promise for a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental management.
- Scalable Production: Creative Biostructure integrates isolation techniques including ultracentrifugation, PEG precipitation, and TFF (Tangential Flow Filtration) to bring PNExo™ exosome production from the small lab-scale through to mass-production. Particularly TFF technology is ideally suited for exosome manufacturing in mass scale, which means an even more efficient and flexible solution for industrial applications.
- GMP-Compliant Production: Creative Biostructure's GMP-compliant facilities ensure that exosome products meet strict regulatory standards. Whether it's for research or industrial use, their processes deliver the quality you need with peace of mind.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the main advantages of using algae-derived exosomes over those from mammalian sources?
Algae-derived exosomes, such as those from Chlorella and Spirulina, offer several advantages over mammalian exosomes. They are often more cost-effective, have less regulatory burden, and are less likely to carry pathogenic contaminants. Also, algae-derived exosomes are highly stable, which is ideal for storage and long-term use in research and therapeutic applications.
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How are PNExo™ exosomes isolated from algae?
PNExo™ exosomes are isolated using advanced techniques, including ultracentrifugation, PEG precipitation, and Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF). These methods ensure that the exosomes are highly purified and free from contaminating proteins or lipids, making them suitable for high-quality applications in drug delivery, diagnostics, and therapeutic research.
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Can PNExo™ exosomes be used for large-scale production?
Yes, PNExo™ exosomes can be produced at large scales. Creative Biostructure utilizes Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) technology for this purpose. This method enables efficient processing while maintaining high exosome yields and quality suitable for industrial applications.
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Can you customize the algae exosome products for specific requirements?
Yes, we offer customization options to meet your specific needs. Whether you require exosomes in a particular form (e.g., lyophilized powder or frozen liquid) or want exosomes from specific species (exosome isolation services), we can work with you to tailor the product to your exact specifications.
Creative Biostructure's PNExo™ exosomes, sourced from diverse algae species, provide a versatile and high-quality platform for research, therapeutic and industry applications. Contact us today to find the algal exosomes to promote your research and change your production!
References
- Bayat F, Afshar A, Baghban N. Algal cells-derived extracellular vesicles: a review with special emphasis on their antimicrobial effects. Front Microbiol. 2021;12:785716.
- Hu Q, Hu Z, Yan X, Lu J, Wang C. Extracellular vesicles involved in growth regulation and metabolic modulation in Haematococcus pluvialis. Biotechnol Biofuels. 2024;17(1):15.
- Rahmati S, Alizadeh M, Mirzapour P, Miller A, Rezakhani L. The effect of marine algae-derived exosomes on breast cancer cells: Hypothesis on a new treatment for cancer. Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics. 2023;19(2):218-220.
