Nanovesicles for hepatic-targeted drug delivery

Abstract

Liver diseases are a major health concern with a high mortality rate worldwide. Nanovesicles have sparked widespread interest in the treatment of liver diseases. However, to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, drug-containing nanovesicles must be directed to the liver. This could pave the way for multiple new ways to improve drug activity while restricting adverse effects and off-site drug distribution. Smart vesicular carriers have been emerged as a promising forum for this because of the use of intelligent molecules such as targeting ligands or stimuli-sensitive moiety that respond to the target site. These smart nanovesicles selectively enter the liver cells by recognizing the receptors present on the cell surface and releasing the drugs intracellularly to provide superior drug concentration at the site of action hence enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and minimizing the toxicity to other cells or tissues. This chapter offers a comprehensive insight on nanovesicles for targeted drug delivery to the liver and their application in the management of various liver disorders. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.