journal article·2026-07-31

Engineered Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles for Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment: A Review

Wen-Chi Xue, Wan-Ru Zhuang, Pan Liu, Hai-Yan Xie

ACS Applied Nano Materials· Volume 9· Issue 30
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Abstract

Abstract Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are spherical bilayer nanostructures that typically range from 20 to 250 nm in diameter and are secreted by Gram-negative bacteria as part of their normal growth process. These vesicles contain multiple pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) derived from the bacterial outer membrane and periplasm, which stimulate the expression of cytokines and costimulatory molecules in immune cells, thereby promoting antigen presentation and activating systemic immunity. Moreover, OMVs can be modified by different approaches, endowing them with great potential for applications in disease treatment and diagnosis, such as imaging, antimicrobial treatment, tumor therapy, and so on. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structural composition, biogenesis mechanisms, and genetic modification methods of OMVs. It then introduces the typical applications of engineered OMVs, such as drug delivery vehicles, adjuvants, tumor vaccines, and tracer materials. Finally, it discusses the future development and potential of OMVs.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Cancer Research and Treatments · Microbial Fuel Cells and Bioremediation · Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Beijing Institute of Technology , , ,

Peking University , , ,

Ningbo Institute of Marine Medicine , ,

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · China Postdoctoral Science Foundation · National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars

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