A self-assembled nano micelle-exosome with high selectivity and penetrability achieves precise intracartilage lipid delivery.

ABSTRACT: To address the challenge of extremely low drug bioavailability in osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage, we developed a self-assembled micelle-exosome system (Mic-Exo) tailored to the specific characteristics of OA cartilage. The hydrophobic lipid layer of Mic-Exo enables efficient loading of therapeutic lipids (DHA), while the incorporation of 1, 2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) reverses surface charge to enhance penetration. The hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) shell protects Mic-Exo from rapid clearance and undesired endocytosis. The amphiphilic monomers in the micelle incorporate a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-responsive peptide (GPLGVRG), which undergoes hydrolysis in response to elevated MMP activity at lesion sites, enabling rapid uptake by nearby chondrocytes. In vitro

SUBMITTER: Li MY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12680035 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature