Lipid-Based Nanoplatforms in Hepatology: From Rational Design to Clinical Translation Challenges

Abstract

Liver diseases—encompassing hepatitis, liver fibrosis, fatty liver, and hepatocellular carcinoma—constitute a formidable global health challenge. Existing treatments are often limited by several key issues, such as low drug accumulation, poor selectivity for target cells, and the toxic side effects of drugs. Lipid-based nanocarriers (LBNCs) have emerged as an up-and-coming platform, leveraging their biocompatibility, versatile drug-loading capacity, and tunable targeting capabilities to overcome these limitations. This comprehensive review critically examines recent advances in the rational design of LBNCs, including liposomes, micelles, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, biomimetic lipid nanocarriers, and smart responsive lipid nanocarriers, as well as their applications in lipid materials. Subsequently, we delve into their translational application, meticulously reviewing preclinical successes and current clinical progress (encompassing active clinical trials and FDA-approved LBNC formulations). Finally, by analyzing the challenges from rational design to clinical translation, we propose forward-looking perspectives and strategic recommendations to overcome these hurdles and accelerate the realization of LBNC-based therapies in clinical hepatology. This review aims to serve as a valuable reference for researchers, providing in-depth insights into the evolving field of LBNCs and their significant therapeutic potential in hepatology.