Liver Targeting Strategies with Nanocarriers

Abstract

Fatty liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), have emerged as some of the most prevalent causes of chronic liver disorders worldwide. Treatment options remain limited due to poor drug bioavailability and nonspecific targeting, resulting in suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. In this context, nanocarriers have shown significant promise by improving drug delivery, enabling precise targeting, and thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy in the management of fatty liver diseases. This chapter offers a comprehensive review of liver-targeting strategies using nanocarriers, with particular attention to the complexity of fatty liver disease. It examines various nanocarrier systems, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and lipid-based carriers, focusing on their structural features and potential for targeted drug delivery. Emerging strategies, including receptor-mediated and stimulus-responsive delivery systems, are critically analyzed. Furthermore, this chapter explores the integration of nanocarriers with cutting-edge technologies, such as RNA-based therapeutics and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Issues related to scalability, safety, and regulatory challenges are also discussed, alongside the latest advancements in preclinical and clinical research. Overall, this chapter serves as a valuable resource, outlining current knowledge and future directions for researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical developers working to advance liver-targeted therapies for fatty liver diseases.