️ 95: Mitochondria on the Move: Biotechnological Strategies for Transfer and Transplantation

Base by Base

️ Episode 95: Mitochondria on the Move: Biotechnological Strategies for Transfer and Transplantation

In this episode of PaperCast Base by Base, we explore recent advances in biotechnological methods for mitochondria transfer and transplantation aimed at restoring cellular function in diseases driven by mitochondrial dysfunction.

Study Highlights:

The authors review current approaches for isolating and delivering mitochondria, including liposomal encapsulation, extracellular vesicle carriers, and surface modifications that improve uptake and stability.

They analyze the role of cell-penetrating peptides, nanomotorized delivery systems, and hydrogels in enhancing targeting efficiency and biocompatibility across cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease models.

Critical challenges such as immune recognition, scalability, and regulatory barriers are discussed alongside strategies to engineer delivery vehicles that protect mitochondria and facilitate their integration into host mitochondrial networks.

Emerging platforms like synaptosome-based carriers and engineered extracellular vesicles are evaluated for their potential to overcome physiological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier.

Conclusion:

Mitochondria transfer and transplantation represent promising nanotherapeutic strategies for mitochondrial disorders, with future research focusing on developing scalable, safe, and targeted delivery platforms.

Reference:

Kubat GB, Picone P, Tuncay E, Aryan L, Girgenti A, Palumbo L, Turkel I, Akat F, Singh KK, Nuzzo D. Biotechnological approaches and therapeutic potential of mitochondria transfer and transplantation. Nature Communications. 2025;16:5709. doi:10.1038/s41467-025-61239-6

License:

This episode is based on an open-access article published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/