Biomedical applications of extracellular vesicles (EVs): even better with cryogels

Apoptotic bodies, exosomes, and microvesicles are the three categories into which extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be divided according to their size and biogenesis. Different cell types release exosomes, which are crucial for preserving effective intercellular communication. The macromolecules of exosome membranes, including surface antigens and proteins, hold promising potential as biomarkers due to their ability to provide valuable information about their source. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of exosomes remains a notable research topic, with one aspect being the search for suitable materials for effective delivery. One candidate for such material is cryogels, which are biomaterials prepared below the solvent's freezing point via cross-linking polymer reactions or addition polymerization from monomers, resulting in an elastic, spongy, loose, and porous structure. Cryogels may provide a new avenue for more efficient use of EVs in biomedical fields. This review provides a detailed explanation of the fundamentals of EVs, exosomes, and cryogels. The latest cryogel-based applications of exosomes, the most common among EVs, are discussed after a separate review of each of the current biomedical applications involving the usage of exosomes and cryogels.