Angelica sinensis polysaccharide nanoparticles as a targeted drug delivery system for enhanced therapy of liver cancer

•Amphipathic polysaccharide conjugate was synthesized through a one-step reaction.•DOX loaded actively liver-targeted ASP-DOCA NPs were successfully fabricated.•ASP-DOCA NPs showed enhanced HepG2 cellular accumulation in vitro and in vivo.•DOX/ASP-DOCA NPs showed higher cytotoxicity and inhibitory effect to tumor growth.•DOX/ASP-DOCA NPs reduced the severe cardiotoxicity of DOX.