Engineered exosomes for targeted bone regeneration: design, delivery, and functionalization

Abstract

Bone regeneration remains a major clinical challenge due to the limited healing capacity of large bone defects and the limitations of conventional grafting or cell-based therapies. Exosomes, nanosized extracellular vesicles secreted by diverse cell types, have emerged as promising cell-free mediators of osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and immune regulation. However, the therapeutic efficacy of native exosomes is constrained by low yield, rapid clearance, and limited targeting. Because effective bone regeneration is inherently multi-factorial-requiring biomechanical stability, vascularization, and an instructive ECM and cellular microenvironment-engineered exosomes should be regarded as enabling components within integrated regenerative systems rather than a standalone solution. Recent advances in engineered exosomes (EExos) have opened new frontiers in bone tissue regeneration by enabling precise design, biofunctionalization, and targeted delivery. Engineering strategies-ranging from genetic modification of donor cells to chemical conjugation, hybrid nanocarrier formation, and controlled cargo loading-have been employed to enhance the osteoinductive and osteoconductive potential of exosomes. Furthermore, incorporation of EExos into smart delivery systems, such as hydrogel scaffolds, 3D-printed matrices, and bone-targeting ligands, offers sustained release and localized therapeutic effects within the bone microenvironment. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest developments in the design, delivery, and functional optimization of EExos for bone regeneration. Mechanistic insights into their roles in promoting bone remodeling, angiogenesis, and immune modulation are discussed alongside current translational progress, manufacturing challenges, and regulatory considerations. Finally, emerging directions-such as AI-assisted exosome engineering, CRISPR-based programming, and bioprinting-integrated therapies-are highlighted as transformative pathways toward personalized and clinically translatable bone regenerative medicine.

Keywords: Bone regeneration; Engineered exosomes; Regenerative medicine; Targeted delivery.