PNExo™ Exosome-Coconut(PNE-FC54)

Coconut Water Bioactives

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a tropical plant source rich in functional nutrients and signaling molecules that exhibit antioxidant, anti-glycemic, and cell-supportive properties in research models. Coconut water, in particular, contains a spectrum of bioactives that act via multiple cellular pathways to support metabolic homeostasis, redox balance, and intercellular communication. Key constituents include:

• Phytohormones (e.g. Kinetin, Trans-zeatin, Gibberellin): Natural plant growth regulators that modulate cell proliferation and tissue repair responses. Kinetin has been associated with antioxidant effects and reduced cellular senescence markers in vitro.
• Polyphenols & Flavonoids (e.g. Quercetin, Gallic Acid, Caffeic Acid, Proanthocyanidins): Potent antioxidants that scavenge free radicals (DPPH clearance >70%), protect DNA from oxidative stress, and inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase to support postprandial glucose control.
• Amino Acids (e.g. L-Arginine, Glutamic Acid, Lysine): Involved in metabolic regulation and insulin sensitivity via AMPK/PI3K signaling. Glutamic acid, found in higher levels in young coconut water, supports energy metabolism.
• Electrolytes & Minerals (e.g. Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc): High potassium-to-sodium ratio (~200 mg/100 mL K⁺) helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure. Trace minerals act as cofactors for antioxidant enzymes.
• Vitamins (e.g. Vitamin C, B1, B2, B5, B6): Essential for redox homeostasis and coenzyme functions in cellular metabolism. Vitamin C additionally supports collagen synthesis and immune response.

What Are Coconut-Derived Exosome-like Nanoparticles?

Coconut-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (CELNs) are naturally occurring nanosized vesicles (13 - 60 nm) found in coconut water. These vesicles are formed by plant cells through membrane trafficking events and encapsulate key biomolecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs), lipids, and proteins.

CELNs stand out in plant-derived exosome research for several reasons:

• Natural Origin: Extracted from edible coconut water, these vesicles offer a clean and sustainable source of bioactive nanoparticles.
• Unique miRNA Profile: Studies have identified over 60 miRNAs, including novel plant-specific sequences, with many enriched in mature coconut water.
• Potential Cross-Kingdom Activity: Target prediction suggests these miRNAs may interact with mammalian genes involved in metabolism and cellular regulation.
• Small Size and Stability: Their ultrasmall diameter supports efficient cellular uptake and potential transport across biological barriers.
• Biocompatibility and Scalability: Derived from food-grade sources, CELNs are generally well tolerated and suitable for scalable, non-animal-based research applications.

Isolation and miRNA Profiling of Coconut-Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticles. (Zhao Z, et al., 2018)

Potential Applications of Coconut Water-derived Exosomes

Biomedical Research and Drug Delivery

• Natural Nanocarriers: CELNs possess lipid bilayer membranes similar to mammalian exosomes, allowing them to encapsulate and protect bioactive compounds. This structure supports their study as carriers for small RNAs, peptides, or plant-derived drugs.
• Tumor-Targeting Potential: Owing to their size and stability, CELNs may exploit enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects for targeted delivery in tumor models. Plant exosomes have been studied for delivering siRNA in inflammatory diseases; coconut exosomes may offer similar research opportunities.
• Regulation of Cellular Pathways: miRNAs enriched in CELNs (e.g., miR159f, miR167a-5p, novel_6) have been computationally linked to human pathways including ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and metabolic signaling, supporting cross-kingdom regulation studies.
• Tissue Repair Models: Preliminary studies suggest that plant-derived vesicles can activate pathways like Nrf2, associated with regeneration. CELNs may therefore be explored in in vitro models of wound healing or liver injury.

Agricultural and Plant Biology Applications

• Plant Growth Regulation: Coconut water extract has long been used in tissue culture media. The presence of phytohormones and possibly vesicle-associated miRNAs supports CELNs’ role in promoting callus formation, rooting, and embryogenesis, offering a natural alternative to synthetic growth regulators.
• Stress Resistance Enhancement: CELNs may contribute osmoprotective compounds and signaling RNAs that regulate stress-response genes in plants, improving tolerance to salinity, drought, or oxidative stress.

Cosmetic and Skin Health Research

• Antioxidant and Anti-aging Effects: Coconut-derived compounds, including phenolics and vitamin C, exhibit high antioxidant capacity. CELNs may enhance cellular uptake and skin penetration of these actives, supporting their exploration in anti-aging formulations.
• Hydration and Barrier Repair: The bilayer structure of CELNs resembles natural skin lipids, potentially supporting moisture retention. Vesicle encapsulation also improves the transdermal delivery of hydrophilic or sensitive molecules like polysaccharides and flavonoids.

References

1. Zhao Z, Yu S, Li M, et al. Isolation of exosome-like nanoparticles and analysis of microRNAs derived from coconut water based on small RNA high-throughput sequencing. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2018, 66(11): 2749-2757.
2. Yu S, Zhao Z, Xu X, et al. Characterization of three different types of extracellular vesicles and their impact on bacterial growth. Food Chemistry. 2019, 272: 372-378.
3. Karamanidou T, Tsouknidas A. Plant-derived extracellular vesicles as therapeutic nanocarriers. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021, 23(1): 191.
4. Li D, Yao X, Yue J, et al. Advances in bioactivity of microRNAs of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles and milk-derived extracellular vesicles. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2022, 70(21): 6285-6299.
5. Manzaneque-López M C, Sánchez-López C M, Pérez-Bermúdez P, et al. Dietary-derived exosome-like nanoparticles as bacterial modulators: beyond microRNAs. Nutrients. 2023, 15(5): 1265.
6. Zhao B, Lin H, Jiang X, et al. Exosome-like nanoparticles derived from fruits, vegetables, and herbs: Innovative strategies of therapeutic and drug delivery. Theranostics. 2024, 14(12): 4598.

Case Study 1: Identification of Coconut-Derived Nanovesicles and Functional miRNAs (Zhao Z, 2018)

A study explored the presence and characteristics of nanovesicles in coconut water. Exosome-like nanoparticles were isolated via ultracentrifugation and confirmed by fluorescence staining, SEM, and DLS, with particle sizes averaging 13.16 nm (SEM) and 59.72 nm (DLS). A total of 47 known and 14 novel microRNAs were identified. Quantitative PCR showed that mature coconut water had higher miRNA content (0.31 ng/mL) than immature water (0.012 ng/mL), with miR528-5p and miR167a-5p showing >50-fold increases. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that these miRNAs target human genes involved in metabolic and signaling pathways, suggesting potential roles in cross-kingdom communication and natural RNA delivery.

Figure 1. miRNA profiling in immature and mature coconut water via qPCR. (A) Quantitative PCR analysis of miRNA expression in immature coconut water revealed an average miRNA concentration of 0.012 ng/mL, with miR159f showing the highest expression at 0.08±0.04 ng/mL. (B) In mature coconut water, the average miRNA concentration was significantly higher at 0.31 ng/mL, with novel_6 reaching the highest level of 2.90±0.46 ng/mL.

Figure 2. Morphological and size analysis of nanoparticles in coconut water and milk. (A-D) Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of nanoparticles isolated from coconut water and milk, showing significantly smaller structures in coconut water (13.45±2.21 nm and 11.66±1.10 nm) compared to those in milk (30.83±6.19 nm and 29.54±5.13 nm). (E) Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed an average particle size of 59.72 nm in coconut water and 100.40 nm in milk.

References

1. Zhao Z, Yu S, Li M, et al. Isolation of exosome-like nanoparticles and analysis of microRNAs derived from coconut water based on small RNA high-throughput sequencing. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2018, 66(11): 2749-2757.

• Are there advantages of coconut-derived vesicles compared to other plant exosomes?

  Coconut vesicles are notably small (as small as ~13 nm), contain diverse microRNAs, and are naturally abundant in a clean aqueous matrix.

• How consistent is the product between different batches?

  PNExo™ products follow standardized processing protocols with strict quality control to ensure minimal batch-to-batch variation in particle size, concentration, and RNA content.

• Does the product contain any preservatives or additives?

  No. PNExo™ Exosome-Coconut is free from synthetic preservatives or additives. The lyophilized powder contains only naturally derived nanovesicles and is reconstituted in sterile water or buffer as needed.

• Can I request a bulk or customized version of PNExo™ Exosome-Coconut?

  Yes. Creative Biostructure offers custom packaging, concentration adjustment, and optional RNA profiling services upon request. Bulk quantities for large-scale studies are also available.

• Do you offer customized exosome isolation or profiling services using coconut or other plant sources?

  Yes. Creative Biostructure provides custom exosome isolation, miRNA profiling, surface marker analysis, and formulation support based on customer-supplied plant materials or specified requirements.

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