Therapeutic Potential of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell (UC-MSC) Secretome in the Control of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Infections

Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the major challenges in the control of bacterial infections and has driven the development of alternative therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antibiotics. In this context, the secretome derived from umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) has emerged as a promising biologically based approach. The UC-MSC secretome is a complex mixture of bioactive molecules, including proteins, antimicrobial peptides, lipids, microRNAs, and extracellular vesicles or exosomes, which play roles in modulating microorganisms, immune responses, and tissue repair. Numerous experimental studies have demonstrated that the UC-MSC secretome exhibits antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, either as conditioned medium or as exosomes formulated within biomaterial systems such as hydrogels, liquid bandages, and functional scaffolds. In addition to reducing bacterial burden and inhibiting biofilm formation, this approach also supports wound healing by enhancing angiogenesis, epithelialization, and restoration of the tissue microenvironment. The therapeutic effects of the UC-MSC secretome are not solely attributable to direct bactericidal activity but are also mediated by its interconnected immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. Although available preclinical evidence consistently indicates therapeutic potential, variability in secretome production methods, exosome isolation techniques, and biomaterial formulations remains a major challenge for result interpretation and reproducibility. Therefore, further mechanistic studies and protocol standardization are required to support the development of UC-MSC secretome–based therapies as safe and effective adjuvant treatments for bacterial infection control.