Mapping bacterial extracellular vesicle research: insights, best practices and knowledge gaps

Abstract

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) enable communication between bacteria and their natural habitats, including multicellular organisms such as humans. Consequently, the study of BEVs has rapidly gained attention with recent research raising the prospect of developing BEVs as biomarkers and treatments to manage (mal)functioning of natural habitats. Although diverse technologies are available, the composition of their source, their heterogeneity in biophysical and biochemical features, and their multifaceted cargo composition challenges the analysis of BEVs. To map current practices in BEV research, we analyzed 845 publications released in 2015-2021, reporting 3338 BEV-related experiments. The extracted data are accessible via the publicly available EV-TRACK knowledgebase (https://evtrack.org/). We identify the need for transparent reporting, delineate knowledge gaps, outline available best practices and define areas in need of guidance to ensure advances in BEV research and accelerate BEV applications. Bacterial extracellular vesicles are rapidly gaining attention in biomarker discovery and therapeutic innovation. Here, the authors map current BEV research practices, highlight knowledge gaps and best practices to ensure advances in BEV research and accelerate BEV applications.