VES4US

The Ves4us project is a new European initiative funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Programme, in the Future and Emerging Technologies (FET) category. Its main objective is to generate a wide range of radically new, high-value products in the fields of nutrition, cosmetics and health sciences, based on naturally occurring extracellular vesicles (EVs), which could be used as next-generation vehicles for targeted molecular delivery.

CHALLENGE

The discovery of EVs as natural carriers of small molecules and functional proteins has aroused great interest in the field of drug delivery, as it may be possible to use these vesicles for targeted therapeutic delivery of peptides and drugs. In addition, new technologies, that have not yet been used, will be developed.

SOLUTION

Through this project, a drug delivery system will be developed, based on biocompatible and cost-effective, naturally occurring vesicles, which would improve the bioavailability, efficacy and safety of the loaded bioactive compounds. A high-risk, high-gain technical approach will be proposed to further develop the technological processes inherent to EV isolation and subsequent functionalisation in order to merge them into a highly cooperative frontier research strategy.

RESULTS

The metabolic properties of natural sources of EVs are actively investigated worldwide, based on strategic priorities, with an approach that prioritises natural sources. This project will contribute to national and EU research agendas by expanding the frontiers of biotechnology, translating fundamental work results into market-driven opportunities related to the nanomedicine, cosmetics and nutraceuticals sectors.