Understanding Nanomaterial–Liver Interactions to Facilitate the Development of Safer Nanoapplications

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) 2022-03, Vol.34 (11), p.e2106456-n/a
• Main Authors: Li, Jiulong, Chen, Chunying, Xia, Tian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accumulation; Blood flow; cell‐type‐specific uptake; Cosmetics; Drug carriers; Endothelial cells; Endothelial Cells - metabolism; In vivo methods and tests; Ingestion; Kupffer Cells - metabolism; Liver; Materials science; mode of action; Nanomaterials; nanomedicine; nanosafety; Nanostructures; nano–liver interaction; Respiration
• ISSN: 0935-9648; 1521-4095; 1521-4095
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.202106456

Nanomaterials (NMs) are widely used in commercial and medical products, such as cosmetics, vaccines, and drug carriers. Exposure to NMs via various routes such as dermal, inhalation, and ingestion has been shown to gain access to the systemic circulation, resulting in the accumulation of NMs in the liver. The unique organ structures and blood flow features facilitate the liver sequestration of NMs, which may cause adverse effects in the liver. Currently, most in vivo studies are focused on NMs accumulation at the organ level and evaluation of the gross changes in liver structure and functions, however, cell‐type‐specific uptake and responses, as well as the molecular mechanisms at cellular levels leading to effects at organ levels are lagging. Herein, the authors systematically review diverse interactions of NMs with the liver, specifically on major liver cell types including Kupffer cells (KCs), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and hepatocytes as well as the detailed molecular mechanisms involved. In addition, the knowledge gained on nano‐liver interactions that can facilitate the development of safer nanoproducts and nanomedicine is also reviewed. The widespread exposure of nanomaterials to the body and gaining access to systemic circulation lead to nanomaterial liver accumulation. This induces cell‐type‐specific uptake and responses to NMs with various physicochemical properties. Understanding nano‐liver interactions helps to develop safer nanoproducts and more effective nanomedicine.