Stimulating cellular production of exosomes

Use of an apparatus for stimulating the production of EVs from a population of cells, the apparatus comprising:

• (i) an acoustic wave generator configured to generate acoustic energy at a selected power and frequency;
• and
• (ii) a receptacle for accommodating a population of cells in a culture media, the receptacle being configured to receive acoustic energy generated by the acoustic wave generator;
• wherein the use of the apparatus comprises:
• operating the acoustic wave generator to expose cells accommodated in the receptacle to acoustic energy;
• and
• subsequently harvesting the EVs.

A method for generating drug-loaded exosomes, the method comprising:

• (i) delivering a therapeutic agent to a population of cells in culture media;
• (ii) exposing the cells to acoustic wave energy;
• and
• (iii) harvesting the exosomes produced from the population of cells following said exposure.

A method for treating a subject with drug-loaded exosomes, the method comprising:

• (i) delivering a therapeutic agent to a population of cells in culture media;
• (ii) exposing the cells to acoustic wave energy;
• (iii) harvesting the exosomes produced from the population of cells following said exposure;
• and
• (iv) administering the exosomes to the subject.