[ZDNET] Konkuk University Prof. Ssang-Goo Cho’s Team Develops Technology for Large-Scale Production of High-Functionality Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes

[ZDNET Korea] Konkuk University announced on the 29th that a research team led by Prof. Ssang-Goo Cho of the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology at the KU Institute of Science and Technology, in collaboration with a team led by Prof. Kyung-Gon Kim of the Convergence Research Support Center at Asan Medical Center and the University of Ulsan College of Medicine, has developed an advanced technology for the large-scale production of high-functionality exosomes derived from stem cell aggregates.

Stem cell-derived exosomes are 50–200 nm extracellular vesicles secreted by stem cells. As they are known to play important roles in intercellular signaling and the regeneration of damaged tissues, they are attracting attention as a next-generation alternative to conventional stem cell therapies. However, the naturally low yield of exosomes has posed a major challenge to industrialization. Therefore, the large-scale production of exosomes containing abundant bioactive components with enhanced therapeutic efficacy is considered essential for clinical application and commercialization.

To control the fluid shear stress environment during stem cell culture, the research team established an advanced stem cell aggregate culture technology by combining physical stimulation with growth factors. Using a mouse wound-healing model and proteomic analysis, the researchers confirmed that the system enabled large-scale production of high-functionality exosomes with greater therapeutic efficacy than naturally produced exosomes.

Prof. Cho said, “Many companies in Korea and overseas are recognizing the potential of exosomes and working to develop exosome therapeutics, but large-scale production and quality-control challenges remain significant barriers to entry. We expect this technology for the large-scale production of high-functionality stem cell-derived exosomes to provide an important foundation for advancing the commercialization of exosome therapeutics with excellent biocompatibility and fewer adverse effects.”

Prof. Kim said, “By applying high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics, which is widely used in biomarker research, to exosome studies, we were able to identify mechanisms that help explain exosome efficacy. We expect this approach to stimulate further proteomics research in the exosome field.”

The findings were published in the international journal Journal of Advanced Research (Impact Factor: 12.822) in a paper titled “Advanced 3D Dynamic Culture System with Transforming Growth Factor-β3 Enhances Production of Potent Extracellular Vesicles with Modified Protein Cargoes via Upregulation of TGF-β Signaling.” The research was also featured by the Biological Research Information Center (BRIC) in its Korean Scientists Who Shine (Hanbitsa) section.

The technology has since been transferred to StemExOne, a subsidiary of Konkuk University Holdings and a member of the Exosome Industry Council, and is currently being commercialized. StemExOne was selected in April and July for government-supported programs including the Korea Regenerative Medicine Fund (KFRM) and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startup).

[ZDNET Korea, Reporter Joo Mun-jeong]

Source: ZDNET Korea