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The purpose of this project was to formulate, modify and evaluate nanoparticles for targeting asialoglycoprotein receptor found in large numbers exclusively on hepatocyte surfaces. Our goal is to increase the efficacy, reduce the side effects and the cost of the hydrophilic drugs administered to cure diseases like hepatitis C virus. Selective drug delivery into targeted cells using nanoparticles is one effective approach to enhance activity and avoid systemic side effects. Here we describe our effort towards the development of specially engineered poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles using double emulsion method and surface coat them with asialofetuin for targeted delivery into hepatocytes. Bovine Serum Albumin-coated nanoparticles were prepared as a negative control. Furthermore, covalently conjugated protein on nanoparticle was labeled with rhodamine and was used for cell-based studies. Results from these studies indicated that asialofetuin conjugated with nanoparticles showed enhanced and selective uptake by hepatocytes compared to nanoparticles conjugated with Bovine Serum Albumin. / Pharmaceutical Sciences