A research team led by Professor Suk Ho Bhang from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Sungkyunkwan University has developed a groundbreaking technology that reverses the functions of aged skin fibroblasts to youthful levels. This was achieved using nanovesicles (R-NVs) extracted from human adipose-derived stem cells irradiated with specially conditioned red light. The study overcomes existing limitations in skin anti-aging and wound healing therapies, offering new possibilities for regenerative medicine and the biotechnology industry.

The research demonstrated that red light irradiation under specific conditions can be seamlessly integrated into current nanovesicle production methods. Furthermore, the team confirmed that these nanovesicles enhance skin regeneration and therapeutic efficacy by promoting cellular rejuvenation. The findings were published online in March 2024 in the prestigious pharmaceutical journal Journal of Controlled Release (IF: 10.5, JCR: 3.2%).

Skin fibroblasts are crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and healing capacity. However, as fibroblasts age, their migration, proliferation, and wound-healing abilities decline, contributing to chronic wounds and other intractable skin conditions. To address this issue, Professor Bhang’s team proposed a novel approach utilizing stem cell-derived nanovesicles.

The team found that red light irradiation (630 nm) increased stemness factors, angiogenesis-related mRNA/proteins, and rejuvenation-associated miRNAs within stem cells. Nanovesicles derived from these irradiated cells (R-NVs) demonstrated significantly enhanced therapeutic effects compared to conventional nanovesicles. Fibroblasts treated with R-NVs exhibited restored mobility and proliferation to levels comparable to youthful cells. This highlights the potential of red-light-based photobiomodulation to improve nanovesicle therapeutic capabilities and recycle aged cells for more effective regenerative treatments.

Animal experiments further revealed that fibroblasts treated with R-NVs achieved faster and more efficient wound healing than those treated with conventional nanovesicles or even young fibroblasts.

This innovative approach is cost-effective, utilizing human adipose-derived stem cells that are easily accessible and requiring no external chemicals or agents. The use of red light under specific conditions enables a simple yet highly effective method for enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, red light irradiation can be easily integrated into existing cell culture and nanovesicle production systems, offering a new platform for therapeutic product development.

Professor Bhang’s team envisions that R-NVs could revolutionize the biopharmaceutical and cosmetic industries by addressing challenges related to tissue regeneration, anti-aging, and wound healing. While current fibroblast-based therapies in clinical use are limited to autologous treatments using a patient’s own cells, the natural decline in fibroblast functionality due to aging poses significant challenges. The R-NV technology developed by this team has the potential to restore the functions of aged fibroblasts, significantly enhancing therapeutic efficacy and paving the way for innovative solutions in regenerative medicine.

Title: Fibroblast Function Recovery through Rejuvenation Effect of Nanovesicles Extracted from Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Irradiated with Red Light
Main Authors: Dr. Jiyu Hyun (First Author) and Professor Suk Ho Bhang (Corresponding Author)