Effects of Hydrogels on Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Paracrine Activity and Extracellular Vesicles Production

This review examines the role of hydrogels in enhancing the production and secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), which are important for tissue regeneration and immunomodulation. Hydrogels provide a 3D culture environment that mimics the natural extracellular matrix, improving MSCs' paracrine activity and EV yield. The study highlights the influence of hydrogel properties, such as stiffness and biochemical composition, on MSC behavior and EV production. While hydrogels show promise in increasing EV yield and functionality, challenges remain in standardizing manufacturing processes and understanding the complex cell-material interactions. The review suggests that combining hydrogels with bioreactors could further enhance EV generation, but emphasizes the need for more research to optimize hydrogel properties for therapeutic applications.