Cell-based therapies have demonstrated promising efficacy in clinical studies, but are impeded by several challenges. For instance, transplantation of living replicative cells, such as the stem cells, poses potential risks of tumor formation and occlusions in distal microvasculature. Furthermore, cell-based medicine is limited by operational and logistical challenges to maintain the optimal cell viability and potency. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) and specialized cellular components, such as plasma membrane and mitochondrion, have been explored as “cell-free” alternatives in various therapeutic applications.

EVs are bi-lipid membrane vesicles secreted by most cells and microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) contain rich cargos of nucleic acids, lipids and proteins. EVs act as important mediators of intercellular communication, as they possess the ability to transfer bioactive cargo components to elicit diverse biological responses in recipient cells.

Plasma membranes that can be isolated from various cell types have also emerged as a promising tool in regenerative medicine. These bioactive membranes offer a unique nanotechnology bio-interface that is highly amenable for site-targeting, drug delivery, imaging and other modifications.

This symposium focuses on the latest advances in EVs derived from stem cells and periodontal microbes, and membrane-mimetics for applications in tissue regeneration. Speakers from different backgrounds including stem cell biology, material science and tissue engineering will discuss about the current standing point, and the questions and problems to be solved for the future goals in the field of EVs and membrane-mimetics. New insights to the highly innovative technologies on EVs and membrane-mimetics gathered in the discussion will shape the future development of next-generation therapeutics.