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Scientists at Columbia Engineering have developed an injectable healing gel made from yogurt, offering a promising new tool for regenerative medicine. The innovation centers on extracellular vesicles (EVs) — tiny, naturally occurring particles that carry proteins and genetic material, enabling cells to communicate and repair tissue.By extracting EVs from yogurt, researchers created a bioactive hydrogel that not only delivers therapeutic signals but also uses the EVs to help build its structure. This dual role eliminates the need for extra chemical agents, making the gel safer and more biocompatible.In mouse models, the gel boosted blood vessel formation, reduced inflammation, and accelerated tissue repair within a week — all without adverse reactions. Its injectable nature allows precise, localized delivery to damaged areas, mimicking the body’s natural environment for healing.The platform is modular, compatible with EVs from plants, bacteria, and mammalian cells, opening possibilities for wound healing, organ repair, and beyond. This fusion of food-derived biotechnology and nanomaterials could mark a new era in accessible, natural-inspired regenerative therapies.RESEARCH PAPER 📄Artemis Margaronis et al, "Extracellular vesicles as dynamic crosslinkers for bioactive injectable hydrogels.", Matter (2025)