Patent attributes
The present invention provides a nanoparticle comprising: a core comprising a metal and/or a semiconductor; and a plurality of ligands covalently linked to the core, wherein said ligands comprise: at least one liver-targeting ligand, such as C2-alpha galactose; at least one payload ligand comprising a bioactive agent, such as maytansinoid DM1; and at least one dilution ligand comprising a poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG) moiety, such as PEG COOH. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the nanoparticle, and uses of the nanoparticle in methods of treatment of liver disorders, including liver cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).