High-yield nanovesicles extruded from dental follicle stem cells promote the regeneration of periodontal tissues as an alternative of exosomes

Abstract

Aim

To identify an optimized strategy for the large-scale production of nanovesicles (NVs) that preserve the biological properties of exosomes (EXOs) for use in periodontal regeneration.

Materials and Methods

NVs from dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) were prepared through extrusion, and EXOs from DFSCs were isolated. The yield of both extruded NVs (eNVs) and EXOs were quantified through protein concentration and particle number analyses. Their pro-migration, pro-proliferation and pro-osteogenesis capacities were compared subsequently in vitro. Additionally, proteomics analysis was conducted. To further evaluate the periodontal regeneration potential of eNVs and EXOs, they were incorporated into collagen sponges and transplanted into periodontal defects in rats. In vivo imaging and H&E staining were utilized to verify their biodistribution and safety. Micro-Computed Tomography analysis and histological staining were performed to examine the regeneration of periodontal tissues.

Results

The yield of eNVs was nearly 40 times higher than that of EXOs. Interestingly, in vitro experiments indicated that the pro-migration and pro-proliferation abilities of eNVs were superior, and the pro-osteogenesis potential was comparable to EXOs. More importantly, eNVs exhibited periodontal regenerative potential similar to that of EXOs.

Conclusions

Extrusion has proven to be an efficient method for generating numerous eNVs with the potential to replace EXOs in periodontal regeneration.