lactosomes

Lactosomes are naturally occurring nanovesicles derived from bovine skim milk, currently being developed as a versatile delivery platform for RNA-based therapies. These vesicles are isolated through a process involving calcium chelation, acidification, and serial centrifugation, resulting in stable, spherical bilayer structures approximately 100-189 nm in size. They are characterized by a complex biomolecular composition, including glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, and proteins such as CD9, Lactalbumin, and Beta-lactoglobulin, which contribute to their biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and ability to facilitate endosomal escape. Lactosomes can be exogenously loaded with therapeutic cargo, such as siRNA, and their surface can be functionalized with targeting moieties like EpCAM-targeting aptamers to achieve selective uptake by specific cell types, such as cholangiocarcinoma cells. Preclinical studies at the Mayo Clinic have demonstrated their efficacy in gene knockdown and favorable biodistribution to tumors and major organs following intravenous administration.

Other names

milk-derived nanovesiclesmilk-derived extracellular vesicles