Research progress on extracellular vesicles of bacteria

Abstract:

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), the products of cell life activities, are the nanoscale phospholipid bilayers encapsulating nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and other molecules. A growing number of studies have demonstrated that EVs can be secreted by bacteria as “bait” for antibiotics and phages to perform defense functions. In addition, EVs play a role in the delivery of virulence factors, cellular communication, horizontal gene transfer, nutrient and electron transfer, and biofilm formation. Therefore, EVs are essential for organism individuals and communities. Here, we review the formation mechanism, extraction and identification methods, and the factors that influence the secretion of EVs. We focus on their biological functions and the research progress in the environmental field to provide a reference for relevant studies in the future.