Bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs) are known to be critical communication tools in several pathophysiological processes between bacteria and host cells. Given this situation, BMVs for transporting and delivering exogenous therapeutic cargoes have been inspiring as promising platforms for developing smart drug delivery systems (SDDSs). In the first section of this review paper, starting with an introduction to pharmaceutical technology and nanotechnology, we delve into the design and classification of SDDSs. We discuss the characteristics of BMVs including their size, shape, charge, effective production and purification techniques, and the different methods used for cargo loading and drug encapsulation. We also shed light on the drug release mechanism, the design of BMVs as smart carriers, and recent remarkable findings on the potential of BMVs for anticancer and antimicrobial therapy. Furthermore, this review covers the safety of BMVs and the challenges that need to be overcome for clinical use. Finally, we discuss the recent advancements and prospects for BMVs as SDDSs and highlight their potential in revolutionizing the fields of nanomedicine and drug delivery. In conclusion, this review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art field of BMVs as SDDSs, encompassing their design, composition, fabrication, purification, and characterization, as well as the various strategies used for targeted delivery. Considering this information, the aim of this review is to provide researchers in the field with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of BMVs as SDDSs, enabling them to identify critical gaps and formulate new hypotheses to accelerate the progress of the field.

Eighty-seven bacteria isolates were screened for the presence of the levansucrase encoding gene and those possessing the gene were used in gene expression studies and the production of levan. Based on both screening methods, isolate P19-1 was determined as the producer bacterium with the highest amounts of levan. Whole genome sequencing was done to characterize the isolate and determine its genomic potential. Both its 16 S rRNA and genome were closest to Chromohalobacter salexigens. The levansucrase gene and genes suggesting a versatile carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism were annotated. A secondary metabolism suggestive of a possible new role in promoting plant growth in hypersaline environments was revealed. The chemical structure analysis of the produced polymer was confirmed by comparison with commercial pure Erwinia herbicola levan. Also, C. salexigens levan showed high biocompatibility. Overall, this is a practical molecular approach that will help researchers to effectively screen microbes with levan production potential.