Lemon-derived exosome-like nanovesicles: A promising avenue for drug delivery system and therapeutic applications in biomedical science

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are naturally occurring, phospholipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles that offer high bioavailability and minimal invasiveness, making them promising candidates for disease treatment, drug delivery vectors, and effective biomarkers for disease detection and diagnosis. As researchers continue to discover and characterize EVs from various origins and biogenesis, their role in intercellular communication for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes becomes increasingly clear. Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNs) are of particular interest due to their compatibility, low toxicity, high bioavailability, ease of absorption, and inherent therapeutic activities. Among the diverse plant sources, lemons stand out for their high nutritional value and wealth of phytochemicals and bioactive components. Recently, there has been significant research into PELNs, focusing on their pharmacological properties and potential applications in drug delivery. This review centres on lemon-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (LELNs), exploring their extraction methods, biological and therapeutic potential, and applications as effective drug delivery systems. By highlighting these aspects, we aim to encourage further research into LELNs to uncover additional properties and potential biomedical applications. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd