Cyanobacteria-derived near-infrared autofluorescent exosomes enabling synergistic brain lesion imaging and neuroprotection.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 42058625.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.04.027 and PMC identifier 13123330.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Precision diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases are hindered by limited probe penetration, toxicity risks, and low imaging signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The blood-brain barrier (BBB) further restricts drug delivery, especially in stroke therapy. This study proposes and validates a natural exosome (sExos) from cyanobacteria, featuring intrinsic near-infrared-I (NIR-I) autofluorescence, with strong imaging and neuroprotective functions. As a theranostic nanoplatform, sExos enable integrated diagnosis and treatment of stroke and other brain disorders. Enriched with the fluorescent phycobiliprotein ApcE, sExos support label-free, high-SNR brain imaging in the NIR-I window. <i>In vivo</i>, sExos cross the BBB and accumulate in ischemic lesions, enabling dynamic visualization. Mechanistically, sExos regulate lipid metabolism and inhibit NF-κB signaling, reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, while promoting neural recovery. Toxicity and immunogenicity evaluations confirm excellent biocompatibility and safety. In summary, this naturally autofluorescent exosome offers a label-free, brain-penetrant, and therapeutically promising imaging-intervention strategy, opening avenues for noninvasive stroke therapy and precision CNS disease management.