Emerging roles and biopharmaceutical applications of milk derived exosomes

Exosomes are bilayer nanovesicles of endocytic origin engaged in intercellular communication through functionally active and cell-specific cargo (such as proteins, lipids, and RNAs). Owing to their small size (in the range of 30–100 nm) and attributes like long circulation half-life, inter-species biocompatibility, cell-targeting potential, and the capability to carry/deliver macromolecular cargo, exosomes have been subject to tremendous interest in the pharmaceutical field for their potential application as therapeutic delivery vehicles and non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers. Of all available biofluids that can act as a potential source to derive exosomes, mammalian milk has garnered substantial interest considering its safety, bulk availability, and cost-effectiveness. This review focuses on understanding milk-derived exosomes, emphasizing their sources, isolation approaches, proteomics, stability, and recent advances in their therapeutic applications.