Galactose-Functionalized Nano emulsion Co-Loaded with Resveratrol and β-Carotene for Hepatocyte-Targeted Therapy of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Abstract

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a variety of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is distinguished by hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, with none of the pharmacological way of treatment. In the present study, a novel galactose-containing Nano emulsion system was developed for the co-delivery of resveratrol and β-carotene, targeting the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR). The Nano emulsions were prepared using spontaneous emulsification with oleic acid as the oil phase, Tween 80 and PEG 400 as surfactant and co-surfactant, and galactose-PEG-DSPE was used as a targeting ligand. Among twenty formulations prepared, F3 (containing 2.5% oleic acid, 2.5% Tween 80, and 1% PEG 400) exhibited optimal characteristics with a mean particle size of 192.9 nm, PDI of 0.154, and zeta potential of –17.58 mV, indicating good stability and uniform distribution. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed spherical morphology, while FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy validated successful drug encapsulation and absence of chemical interactions. Drug entrapment efficiencies were 93.4% for resveratrol and 96.1% for β-carotene. The incorporation of galactose-PEG-DSPE ensured hepatocyte-specific targeting potential, making this Nano emulsion a promising platform for further in vivo evaluation in NASH management.