title: Novel materials which possess the ability to target liver cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hepatic-targeted drug delivery systems are designed to treat diseases of the liver. However, since there are several different types of liver diseases that are caused by different cells, it is important to select the proper materials to target these different cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review addresses novel materials that possess the ability to target liver cells via receptor-ligand processes and offers an insight into the aspects of formulation design. It also discusses several approaches used to enhance the targeting efficiency of drug delivery systems to receptors in the liver cells. In addition, the delivery efficiency and therapeutic efficacy of these materials in the treatment of acute or chronic liver diseases is highlighted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further research into the use of clinical materials and the design of smart materials for multi-drug delivery to different organelles is important for future studies on these new materials. It is hoped that these targeted therapeutics will benefit patients with liver disorders in the near future.
authors.affiliation: Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing 210046, PR China.
authors.forename: Zhipeng
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Lu
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.forename: Wen
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Yan-Yu
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Xiao
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Wei-Dong
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Bao-Chang
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Cai
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004655:Emulsions; D055166:Hepatic Stellate Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007728:Kupffer Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D008024:Ligands; D008081:Liposomes; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008863:Microspheres; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D004655:Emulsions; D008024:Ligands; D008081:Liposomes; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations