Investigation into the distinct subcellular effects of docosahexaenoic acid loaded low-density lipoprotein nanoparticles in normal and malignant murine liver cells

•LDL-DHA nanoparticles are selectively cytotoxic to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).•LDL-DHA uptake in HCC cells elicits lysosome membrane lipid peroxidation and leakage.•HCC cells also experience mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage with LDL-DHA treatment.•The subcellular disturbances induced by LDL-DHA lead to HCC cell death.