From Nature to Nanomedicine: Engineered Plant-Derived Nanovesicles for Skin Disease

Int J Nanomedicine. 2026 Apr 7:21:596983. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S596983. eCollection 2026.

Abstract

Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDN), as a novel class of natural nanocarriers, possess excellent biocompatibility and the capacity to load various bioactive components, offering new perspectives for the treatment of skin diseases. However, natural PDN suffer from limited skin penetration and weak targeting ability. By applying engineering strategies such as chemical modification and membrane hybridization, these intrinsic limitations can be effectively overcome, thereby markedly enhancing their therapeutic efficacy against skin diseases. This review provides a systematic summary of the fundamental characteristics and engineering strategies of PDN. Based on the latest research advances, we also outline their therapeutic applications across various skin diseases, including inflammatory, infectious, wounds, aging-related, pigmentary, and tumors. In addition, we propose lesion-adapted administration strategies tailored to different skin diseases. We further highlight the major translational challenges and future opportunities of PDN, providing insight into how these engineered natural nanocarriers may reshape precision and next-generation therapies for skin diseases.

Keywords: advanced delivery system; biomimetic nanocarriers; dermatological diseases; engineered nanovesicles; exosome-like nanovesicles.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Humans
  • Nanomedicine / methods
  • Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Plants* / chemistry
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin Diseases* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Drug Carriers