Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Summary
Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have emerged as transformative platforms for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By encapsulating chemotherapeutic agents, genetic materials or imaging contrast agents within nanoscale carriers, these systems enhance solubility, stability and tumour-specific accumulation while minimising off-target toxicity. Passive targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention effect is complemented by ligand-mediated active targeting to cell-surface receptors overexpressed on hepatocytes. Common platforms include lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles and supramolecular hydrogels, each tailored to achieve controlled release, stimuli responsiveness and co-delivery of multiple payloads. Advances in design have enabled integration of real-time imaging, synergistic chemo-gene therapy and immunomodulatory functions. Preclinical models consistently demonstrate improved tumour suppression, favourable safety profiles and the potential for personalised regimens, marking a new era in HCC management.
Research from Nature Portfolio
A foundational study developed a glycyrrhetinic acid-modified curcumin pro-gelator that self-assembles into a supramolecular hydrogel in response to elevated glutathione levels within the tumour microenvironment. This gel sustainedly releases curcumin directly into hepatoma cells, exploiting overexpressed glycyrrhetinic acid receptors for enhanced uptake. In vitro assays revealed potent inhibition of tumour cell growth, while the modular design demonstrates how targeting, stimulus responsiveness and therapeutic payload can be unified in a single nanoscale construct, paving the way for adaptable gel-based carriers in HCC therapy.
Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Hepatocellular Carcinoma publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for hepatocellular carcinoma across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): primary malignancy of the liver originating from hepatocytes.
Nanoparticle: a particle with dimensions below 100 nanometres used to encapsulate and deliver therapeutic agents.
Lipid nanoparticle: a carrier composed of lipid bilayers or solid lipids designed to transport drugs or genetic materials.
Polymeric nanoparticle: a colloidal particle formed from biodegradable polymers (e.g. PLGA) for controlled drug release.
Enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect: passive accumulation of nanoparticles in tumours due to leaky vasculature and poor lymphatic drainage.
Active targeting: functionalisation of nanoparticle surfaces with ligands that bind specific receptors on target cells.
References
- Co-delivery of camptothecin and MiR-145 by lipid nanoparticles for MRI-visible targeted therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research (2024).
- Galactose-modified selenium nanoparticles for targeted delivery of doxorubicin to hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug Delivery (2019).
- Dual Drug Delivery of Sorafenib and Doxorubicin from PLGA and PEG-PLGA Polymeric Nanoparticles. Polymers (2018).
- A Glycyrrhetinic Acid-Modified Curcumin Supramolecular Hydrogel for liver tumor targeting therapy. Scientific Reports (2017).
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