Nanoparticle systems and innovative macromolecules for selective modulation of the liver microenvironment (Nano@Liver)

Medicines are designed to work at specific sites in the body. However, they usually spread throughout the body, which is the main cause of a lack of effectiveness (dilution of the active ingredient) and side effects (effects on other cells/organs).

The “Nano@Liver” project focuses on the development of special nanoparticles that can transport drugs specifically to the liver. Supported by artificial intelligence, drug-loaded nanoparticles are modulated in terms of size, electrostatic charge and surface properties so that they selectively accumulate in certain liver cells and release their active ingredients there. The technology being researched here should make it possible to treat inflammations, metabolic disorders and cancers of the liver more effectively and to better control immune responses within the liver. The research could thus represent a significant breakthrough in the treatment of liver diseases. The project is a collaboration between the University of Mainz and the University of Jena.