Exosomes Isolated from Nuts/Seeds
In addition to plant-based exosomes from fruits, flowers, vegetables and herbages, Creative Biostructure also offers exosomes isolated from nuts and seeds. While research in this area is still in its infancy, their unique molecular cargoes, biological functions and roles in plant physiology, and physical properties make them potentially useful in various applications, including agricultural biotechnology, cosmetics and skincare, health and therapeutics, and nutraceuticals.
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Bioactive Exosomes from Nuts/Seeds: Natural Nanocarriers for Growth, Health, and Healing
Plant cells release extracellular vesicles (P-EVs) containing bioactive molecules with multiple functions. When isolated and characterized, exosomes from nuts and seeds such as soybean (PNExo™ Exosome-Glycine max), rice (PNExo™ Exosome-Oryza sativa), almond (PNExo™ Exosome-Prunus amygdalus), and Olive (PNExo™ Exosome-Olive oil) exhibit remarkable properties. Exosomes from nuts and seeds typically contain bioactive molecules associated with seed survival, growth, and defense. These include:
- Storage proteins (e.g., globulins, albumins in soybeans).
- Lipids, especially oils like omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed and soy.
- Small RNAs (including microRNAs and small interfering RNAs) that regulate gene expression during germination and growth.
- Phenolic compounds (antioxidants) and flavonoids that protect the seed from environmental stress and pathogens.
Their unique composition and molecular cargo suggest that they may play an important role in plant growth regulation, immune modulation and antioxidant activity. PNExo™ Exosome-Olive oil, for example, are rich in polyphenols such as oleuropein, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, these exosomes have potential applications in human health, skincare, and even agricultural biotechnology.
The isolation of exosomes from plants such as soybeans, rice, almonds and olives involves the use of sophisticated techniques such as ultracentrifugation, polymer precipitation or immunoaffinity capture. The resulting exosomes can be used as natural delivery systems for bioactive molecules or as active ingredients in various applications.
Figure 1. Contents in PELNs. (A) Biogenesis and secretion: Plant cells can secrete PELNs via multivesicular bodies (MVB) and exocyst positive organelles (EXPO). (B) Size: PELNs range in size from 50 to 500 nm. (C) Components: Generally, PELNs contain fewer proteins and miRNAs than exosomes. (D) Targets: PELNs can be internalized in plant cells, mammalian cells, fungi, and bacteria. (Zhang et al., 2022)
Applications of Exosomes Isolated from Nuts/Seeds
Agricultural Biotechnology
Exosomes derived from plants such as soybean and rice have shown great promise in agricultural applications. These exosomes can deliver genetic material such as RNA or small regulatory RNAs into plant cells, providing new ways to combat plant diseases or improve growth and yield. Plant exosomes could also serve as carriers for herbicides or growth-promoting factors, increasing the precision and efficiency of agricultural treatments while minimizing environmental impact. For example, soybean exosomes have been tested for their ability to mediate the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 systems for targeted gene editing in crops.
Cosmetics and Skincare
The cosmetic industry is increasingly turning to plant-derived exosomes for their potential to revolutionize skin care formulations. Isolated from nuts and seeds such as almond and olive, exosomes are packed with bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, growth factors and proteins that can nourish and rejuvenate the skin. For example, almond exosomes contain natural oils and phenolic compounds that can hydrate the skin, reduce oxidative stress and promote collagen synthesis. These exosomes can be incorporated into creams, serums and masks to deliver these benefits more effectively than traditional delivery methods.
Health and Therapeutics
The use of exosomes for therapeutic purposes is one of the most exciting areas of research. Exosomes from plant sources such as soybean and almond are being investigated for their ability to modulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidant benefits. Soy exosomes in particular have shown promise in promoting cellular regeneration and protecting against oxidative damage, which could benefit patients suffering from chronic diseases or age-related conditions.
Nutraceuticals
Plant-derived exosomes also hold substantial promise in the nutraceutical sector. By acting as efficient delivery vehicles for various bioactive nutrients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, or polyphenols, exosomes derived from seeds and nuts can be incorporated into functional foods or dietary supplements. The encapsulation of these bioactive compounds within exosomes ensures their stability and enhances their bioavailability, making them more effective at reaching their target sites in the body. For example, exosomes from olive are rich in polyphenols like oleuropein, which have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When consumed as part of a nutraceutical product, these olive-derived exosomes can support cardiovascular health, reduce oxidative stress, and promote overall well-being.
Case Studies on Exosomes Isolated from Nuts/Seeds
Case Study 1: Mediterranean diet enriched in extra virgin olive oil or nuts modulates circulating exosomal non coding RNAs
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted by cells that can transport various molecules, including nucleic acids. Dietary habits may influence gene regulation by modulating exosomal RNAs. The aim of this study was to characterize the modulation of exosomal lncRNAs, mRNAs and miRNAs after one year of adherence to a low-fat diet (LFD) or a Mediterranean diet enriched with extra-virgin olive oil (MedDiet + EVOO) or a mixture of nuts (MedDiet + Nuts). Compared to LFD, the MedDiet + EVOO and MedDiet + Nuts interventions significantly modulated 413 lncRNAs and 188 mRNAs, and 476 lncRNAs and 235 mRNAs, respectively. The results demonstrate that one year of the MedDiet + Nuts and MedDiet + EVOO dietary interventions can modulate exosomal RNA content, with the MedDiet + Nuts intervention affecting a greater number of miRNAs.
Figure 2. Expression of circulating exosome-transported lncRNAs after a 1-year adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) enriched in (A) extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) or B mixed nuts (Nuts) compared with a low-fat diet (LFD). Expression fold changes (represented as log2) between groups are represented on the X axes and the corresponding p values (− log10) are shown on the Y axes. (Mantilla-Escalante et al., 2021)
Case Study 2: Biophysical features of plant-derived nanovesicles: Focus on almonds
Almonds are a traditional food known for their health benefits, but the presence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in almonds, as well as their potential as bioactive nanovectors, had not been explored. This study aimed to develop a method to isolate almond-derived nano vesicles (ADNVs). Various protocols were tested on pure, blanched, and roasted almonds to assess the resulting biophysical properties. The most effective isolation method was sucrose-based ultracentrifugation (DGUC). Pure almond ADNVs contained the highest levels of TET8, with PEN1 also present, though both were reduced in cooked almonds. The following figure shows the representative surface topology estimated by AFM, both unmasked and masked, including several metrics of surface roughness.
Figure. 3. Representative images of topography derived from AFM analysis of ADNVs from roasted almonds. Diameters are reported as mean value ± standard deviation. Panel A: non-masked images; the colorimetric legend refers to the height of the object. Panel B: scanned vesicles marked as grains. RMS Sq: mean square of height irregularities (Sq); RMS (grain-wise): mean value for each grain separately; mean roughness (Sa): mean value of height irregularities. (Santangelo et al., 2024)
Advantages of Our Exosomes Isolated from Nuts/Seeds
- Rich in Bioactive Molecules: Exosomes from nuts and seeds contain a variety of bioactive molecules, such as storage proteins (e.g., globulins in soybeans), lipids (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed), small RNAs (microRNAs and siRNAs), phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. These molecules have functional roles in plant growth, immune modulation, and antioxidant activity, making them beneficial for human health, skincare, and agricultural applications.
- Natural Origin: As a natural source of bioactive molecules, exosomes from nuts and seeds provide a plant-based alternative to synthetic compounds, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option for therapeutic and cosmetic products.
- Advanced Delivery Systems: Due to their nanoscale size and natural ability to carry and protect bioactive cargo, exosomes can serve as efficient delivery systems for therapeutic molecules, providing targeted, controlled release and enhanced bioavailability.
- Enhanced Stability and Sustainability: The lipid bilayer of exosomes provides stability to the encapsulated bioactive molecules, protecting them from degradation and enhancing their shelf life. Using plant sources like nuts and seeds for exosome production is sustainable and offers a renewable alternative to synthetic or animal-derived materials.
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FAQs About Exosomes Isolated from Nuts/Seeds
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How do exosomes isolated from nuts/seeds differ from those isolated from other plants?
Plant-derived exosomes are nano-sized vesicles secreted by plant cells that carry bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, RNAs, and small metabolites. Exosomes from nuts and seeds, such as soybeans, almonds, and olive oil, are often larger and richer in lipids and storage proteins. In contrast, exosomes from other plant types, such as vegetables and flowers, typically contain molecules related to growth regulation, stress response, and reproduction, reflecting the different physiological functions of these plants.
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How are exosomes from nuts and seeds being used in biotechnology and health?
Nut and seed exosomes are being explored for a variety of applications. In agriculture, they can be used as plant growth regulators or CRISPR-based gene editing tools as carriers of plant hormones and nutrients. In cosmetics, exosomes isolated from nuts/seeds are being incorporated into skin care products to promote hydration, collagen synthesis and protection against oxidative stress, as they are rich in lipids, antioxidants and proteins. In Health & Therapeutics, seed exosomes with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are being developed for use in nutraceuticals and as drug delivery systems to treat diseases related to inflammation, aging and oxidative stress.
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How do you characterize your exosome products?
Each exosome preparation is rigorously characterized for size, morphology and molecular content. We use state-of-the-art techniques such as nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and flow cytometry to ensure that exosomes meet the highest quality standards. These characterizations provide researchers with the detailed information needed for reproducible and impactful studies.
Contact us today and unlock the limitless potential of nut and seed exosomes! Creative Biostructure is eager to help you harness the remarkable benefits of exosomes derived from nature's most nutrient-dense sources!
References
- Mantilla-Escalante DC, López De Las Hazas MC, Crespo MC, et al. Mediterranean diet enriched in extra-virgin olive oil or nuts modulates circulating exosomal non-coding RNAs. Eur J Nutr. 2021;60(8):4279-4293.
- Santangelo C, Binetti E, Azman SNA, et al. Biophysical features of plant-derived nanovesicles: Focus on almonds. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. 2024;134:106494.
- Zhang Z, Yu Y, Zhu G, et al. The emerging role of plant-derived exosomes-like nanoparticles in immune regulation and periodontitis treatment. Front Immunol. 2022;13.
