Isolation of plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PDENs) from Aloe vera and their effect on RAW 264.7 and 1BR3 cells as a potential anti-inflammatory and anti-photoaging agent

Abstract

Aims: Chronic inflammation and ultraviolet (UV)-induced oxidative stress drive tissue damage and skin photoaging. This study evaluates Aloe vera-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (Av-PDENs) as a natural bioactive platform for modulating inflammation and supporting tissue repair. Materials & Methods: Av-PDENs were isolated via polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–MS-HRMS). Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by measuring nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, interleukin-6, and macrophage polarization. Anti-photoaging effects were assessed in UVB-irradiated 1BR3 fibroblasts through ROS measurement, collagen type I expression and secretion, and scratch migration assay. Results: Av-PDENs were spherical (mean diameter: 173 nm) and contained stress-response proteins. In macrophages, 40 µg/mL Av-PDENs reduced nitric oxide (NO) (46.90%) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (28.67%), with decreasing trends in interleukin-6 and M1 polarization. In fibroblasts, 80 µg/mL Av-PDENs significantly decreased UVB-induced ROS by 43.55%. Notably, 40 µg/mL Av-PDENs restored collagen type I expression, increased secretion by 40.2%, and achieved 90% wound closure at 96 hours, significantly surpassing the 80 µg/mL group. Conclusions: Overall, Av-PDENs exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities, supporting potential cosmeceutical application.