Targeted nanoliposomal nutrient delivery for human health

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nutraceuticals
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Conventional nutritional supplements have limited efficacy due to gastrointestinal degradation, poor absorption, and rapid clearance.
• Nanoliposomal delivery platforms offer a strategy to protect nutrients and enhance targeted delivery.
• A comprehensive review of nanoliposomal nutrient carriers is needed to guide innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the physicochemical basis of nanoliposomal nutrient carriers.
• To review organ- and organelle-specific targeting strategies, focusing on renal and mitochondrial delivery.
• To evaluate therapeutic evidence for cardiometabolic, neuroprotective, and renal repair applications and identify translational challenges.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (up to May 2025) using keywords: nanoliposome, nutrient, targeted delivery, bioavailability, kidney, mitochondria.
• Inclusion of primary research articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
• Data extraction on liposomal composition, modifications, bio-distribution, efficacy, and safety.

Main Results:

• Nanoliposomes enhanced nutrient stability and improved trans-epithelial transport (2-10 fold).
• Ligand-mediated targeting increased renal uptake (up to 4 fold); mitochondrial targeting restored membrane potential and reduced ROS in preclinical models.
• PEGylation improved circulation but caused immunogenicity; alternative coatings show promise. Scalability and GMP-compliant manufacturing remain limited.

Conclusions:

• Targeted nanoliposomal systems significantly improve nutrient stability, absorption, and tissue specificity, offering potential for cardiometabolic, renal, and neuroprotective therapies.
• Optimization of lipid composition, escape mechanisms, and surface chemistries can enhance therapeutic effects.
• Industrial-scale manufacturing, cost reduction, and immunogenicity management are critical hurdles for clinical translation.