植物エクソソーム抽出技術に関するワークショップを行いました。We held a workshop on plant exosomes.
We held a workshop on the latest technologies for the extraction and application of plant-derived exosomes.
植物由来エクソソームの抽出および応用の最新技術に関するワークショップを行いました(22,Feb.,2025)。
特定の植物の葉などから得られるエクソソーム（Exosome; Extracellular vesicles）には、優れた抗菌、抗炎症、消臭機能があることが確認されています。天然植物成分のエクソソームとは30〜100nmほどの直径を持ち、細胞が細胞外へ放出する成分として、遺伝物質やタンパク質などの有効成分を輸送し細胞間の情報伝達を担うナノ粒子です。エクソソームは、細胞が自発的に分泌する粒子であるため、浸透力と吸収力に優れており、抗菌活性や抗炎症活性を持つ成分をそのまま製品へ応用することが可能です。
エクソソームはその由来に応じて、植物由来、哺乳類由来、細菌由来の3つに大別され、哺乳類（特にヒト細胞由来）のエクソソームは実用化が進んでいますが、近年では植物由来エクソソームが新たに注目を集めており、その潜在能力が高く評価されています。植物由来エクソソームの主な特長として、高い安全性、特化可能な効能、コストパフォーマンス、植物種ごとに異なる多様な生理活性が挙げられます。すなわち、数十万種類にも及ぶ植物の中から特定の植物を選定し、それぞれの特性を活かした応用が可能となります。
現在、エクソソームを分離する方法として、接線流ろ過（TFF）や超遠心分離（Ultracentrifugation）などの機器を用いる方法、またはポリマー沈殿法、抗体（antibody）、ビーズ（bead）を利用する方法が一般的に使用されています。しかし、これらの方法ではエクソソーム以外の不純物が混入する可能性があるという課題が存在します。この問題を解決するため、従来のカルス方式とは異なり、植物からダイレクトにエクソソームを抽出・分離し、ミクロ成分スクリーニング工程を加えて精製するプロセスが求められています。この技術によって、高純度の植物由来エクソソームを安定的に生産することが可能となり、実用化に向けた大きな一歩となります。今回のワークショップには海外の専門家も参加し、植物由来エクソソームの応用に関する成果が共有されました。
We held a workshop on the latest technologies for extracting and applying plant-derived exosomes to explore their potential in various fields(22,Feb.,2025).
It has been confirmed that exosomes (Exosome; Extracellular vesicles) obtained from the leaves of certain plants exhibit excellent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and deodorizing functions. Exosomes are nanoparticles with a diameter of approximately 30 to 100 nm that are secreted by cells into the extracellular environment. They play a crucial role in intercellular communication by transporting genetic material, proteins, and other bioactive compounds. Since exosomes are spontaneously secreted by cells, they possess excellent permeability and absorption properties, making it possible to directly apply their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory active ingredients to various products.
Exosomes can be broadly classified into three categories based on their origin: plant-derived, mammalian-derived, and bacteria-derived. While mammalian exosomes, particularly those derived from human cells, have already been commercialized, plant-derived exosomes have recently gained significant attention for their high potential in research and development. The main advantages of plant-derived exosomes include their high safety profile, cost-effectiveness, and the diverse physiological activities that vary depending on the plant species. Given that there are hundreds of thousands of plant species, specific plants can be selected based on their unique properties for tailored applications.
Currently, exosome isolation methods include device-based techniques such as tangential flow filtration (TFF) and ultracentrifugation, as well as polymer precipitation, antibody-based separation, and bead-based isolation. However, these methods face challenges, as they often result in the co-extraction of impurities alongside exosomes. To address this issue, a novel approach that differs from conventional callus culture methods has been proposed. To address this issue, a process is required that differs from the conventional callus method by enabling the direct extraction and separation of exosomes from plants, followed by purification through a micro-component screening step. By implementing this technology, it is possible to stably produce high-purity plant-derived exosomes, marking a significant step toward commercialization. This workshop brought together experts from Japan, the United States, and South Korea, who shared meaningful insights and achievements in the application of plant-derived exosomes.
