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Within cells, there exist minuscule particles, referred to as extracellular vesicles, that encapsulate and transport molecules.Our cells inherently package advantageous proteins and restorative compounds into these minuscule spheres, distributing them to locations where they are required to transport molecular payloads or to interact with other cells. 

Extracellular vesicles, or EVs, present a significant opportunity for medical care due to their capability to contain pharmaceuticals and to transport them to inaccessible regions of the body. However, their effectiveness is limited by the difficulties associated with large-scale production. 

Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have developed a technique that utilizes a bioreactor — an industrial apparatus for conducting biological reactions — featuring a vertically spinning wheel to mass produce EVs derived from lab-cultivated blood vessel tissues. This advancement has the potential to transform experimental treatments for age-related illnesses by making them more cost-effective and accessible. The findings were published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 

“Visualize if we could extract microscopic delivery vehicles from lab-grown human tissues to transport healing molecules directly to damaged cells within our bodies,” stated Professor Yan Li from the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. “That’s fundamentally what we have achieved in our study.” 

PRODUCTION APPROACHES
EVs have faced constraints as a therapeutic option because of the difficulties involved in increasing their production. Conventional manufacturing techniques yield a minimal quantity, rendering potential treatments costly. 

To tackle this issue, the researchers employed advanced bioreactors known as vertical-wheel bioreactors to generate EVs. The rotating compartments within these bioreactors create gentle currents that emulate blood flow in the human body. This configuration enabled cells to produce 2 to 3 times more EVs compared to the traditional approach where the machines remain static. 

“Consider it like the distinction between a factory operating at its standard capacity versus one functioning at optimal efficiency under enhanced conditions,” Li said. “Fundamentally, the gentle rotational movement increases both the production of these vital vesicles and the overall vitality of the synthetic blood vessels.” 

SIGNIFICANCE
This research addresses a critical obstacle that has hindered EV-based therapies from benefiting a larger number of patients. 

Laboratory evaluations demonstrated that the EVs produced by this method preserved all their restorative qualities. They diminished cellular injuries due to aging and promoted cell proliferation, essential indicators that they maintain their therapeutic effectiveness even when produced on a larger scale. 

By constructing a scalable, regulated production method, the researchers have established a pathway for these promising therapies to transition from laboratory curiosities to potentially affordable medical interventions for age-related illnesses and tissue damage.

“I hope that research on EVs grows as a result of our study,” conveyed Justice Ene, a graduate student researcher and co-author of the study. “In the future, we need to investigate the components of therapeutic payloads and ascertain how well this research translates into safe, large-scale production. Many questions remain, but it’s a move in the correct direction.”

COLLABORATION AND SUPPORT
Other researchers from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and Florida State University who contributed to this study include Chang Liu, Falak Syed, Li Sun, Danyale Berry, Pradeepraj Durairaj, Zixiang Leonardo Liu, and Changchun Zeng. Sunghoon Jung, the executive director of bioprocess research and development at PBS Biotech, which developed the vertical-wheel bioreactors, was also a co-author. 

The research is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), including the NSF INTERN award, and is partially supported by the National Institutes of Health.

The article Spin to win: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers use spinning bioreactors to increase yield of ‘tiny healing particles’ for more affordable targeted medicine first appeared on Florida State University News.

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