A Comparison of Cellular Uptake Mechanisms, Delivery Efficacy, and Intracellular Fate between Liposomes and Extracellular Vesicles

Abstract A key aspect for successful drug delivery via lipid‐based nanoparticles is their internalization in target cells. Two prominent examples of such drug delivery systems are artificial phospholipid‐based carriers, such as liposomes, and their biological counterparts, the extracellular vesicles (EVs). Despite a wealth of literature, it remains unclear which mechanisms precisely orchestrate nanoparticle‐mediated cargo delivery to recipient cells and the subsequent intracellular fate of therapeutic cargo. In this review, internalization mechanisms involved in the uptake of liposomes and EVs by recipient cells are evaluated, also exploring their intracellular fate after intracellular trafficking. Opportunities are highlighted to tweak these internalization mechanisms and intracellular fates to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of these drug delivery systems. Overall, literature to date shows that both liposomes and EVs are predominantly internalized through classical endocytosis mechanisms, sharing a common fate: accumulation inside lysosomes. Studies tackling the differences between liposomes and EVs, with respect to cellular uptake, intracellular delivery and therapy efficacy, remain scarce, despite its importance for the selection of an appropriate drug delivery system. In addition, further exploration of functionalization strategies of both liposomes and EVs represents an important avenue to pursue in order to control internalization and fate, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy.