New research finds small extracellular vesicles derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSC-sEVs) can stimulate human dermal fibroblast proliferation, regulate the skin’s extracellular matrix and reduce melanin production.  

The study aimed to investigate the impact of UC-MSC-sEVs on in-vitro models. Umbilical cord samples were collected from consenting mothers aged 18-44 who underwent natural or caesarean delivery at full term without pregnancy complications, infection diseases or a history of cancer. Human dermal fibroblasts were obtained from consenting healthy patients aged 18-60 who had undergone abdominoplasty. 

Findings revealed a high concentration of UC-MSC-sEVs positively influenced fibroblast proliferation and the regulation of the extracellular matrix. UC-MSC-sEVs did not stimulate human melanoma cell growth, but reduced pigmentation by decreasing melanin synthesis.  

Researchers said, “These in-vitro findings highlight the dose-dependent beneficial effects of UC-MSC-sEVs on skin cells, particularly fibroblasts and melanocytes, through different cellular mechanisms. This underscores the importance of considering sEV dose or charge in future studies and suggests a promising approach for addressing hypertrophic scars and hyperpigmentation, offering insights into the field of dermatology.” 

The research was carried out in Malaysia and published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine in February 2025.