Updated project metadata.
Exosomes are cell-derived nanovesicles with a proven key role in intercellular signaling, inflammation processes and immune response. Due to their natural origin and liposome-like structure, these nanometric vesicles have emerged as novel platforms for therapy and diagnosis. This work presents goat’s milk exosomes as natural nanoparticles applied in the detection of inflammatory processes by optical imaging. Goat’s milk exosomes were isolated and fully characterized by their physicochemical properties, proteomics profile and biochemical impact in healthy mice. For the in vitro and in vivo assessment, these nanoparticles were covalently labeled with sulfo-Cyanine 5 and BODIPY-FL. In vitro studies confirmed the internalization of the nanoprobe as well as no cytotoxicity in macrophages populations (RAW 264.7). The capacity of our probe to localize inflammatory processes was in vivo assessed by optical imaging in a peritonitis mouse model confirmed. These results were also confirmed by the flow cytometry analysis of the peritonitis exudates, supporting the use of these natural nanoparticles in the detection of inflammatory processes.