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

This review explores the role of hydrogels as a 3D culture platform for mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), focusing on their potential to enhance the production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) for tissue regeneration and immunomodulation. Hydrogels can mimic the natural stem cell environment, influencing MSCs' morphology, adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and secretion capacities. However, the impact of hydrogel properties on EV production is not well understood due to low standardization and knowledge gaps. The review highlights the need for improved process control and suggests future research directions, including the combined use of hydrogels and bioreactors to boost MSC-EV yields.