Food-derived exosomes: a revolutionary novel breakthrough in dietary nutrition and health

Exosomes, small molecules with phospholipid bilayer structures derived from cell membranes, usually contain many biomacromolecules, such as proteins, mRNAs, and miRNAs. Exosomes have been verified to be among the most important mediators of material and information exchange within or between individuals. In recent decades, exosomes have attracted increasing attention from researchers. In this review, the structure, methods of separation and identification, and cell origination of exosomes are described in detail. The potential applications of exosomes, such as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, tissue damage repair and regeneration, antioxidant function, drug delivery, and cancer therapy, are summarized. Food-derived exosomes from animals, plants and microorganisms have become a research hotspot. Exosomes carrying biomacromolecules are important mediators of signal transduction and regulation between cells from the same individual and between individuals of the same or different species. It is widely considered a promising intermediate for food nutrition and chronic disease prevention.