Several approaches to produce, isolate, and characterize exosomes recovered from a cultivated placenta or a portion thereof are provided. The alternatives described herein facilitate the production, isolation, and characterization of exosomes, which can be used as biotechnological tools and therapeutics. Also provided herein are populations of exosomes derived from placenta organ culture or culture of portions of the placenta. Also provided are compositions comprising the populations of exosomes and methods of their use for the treatment of subjects.