Polymer Micelles:  An Example of Self-Assembling Polymers

Abstract

Diblock and graft copolymers for which the blocks are sufficiently different in their solvation properties often self-assemble into micelle structures. In this feature article we emphasize only diblock polymers. We discuss various aspects of this field including the synthesis of diblock polymers containing fluorescent probes placed at precise points in the polymer chain and the preparation and characterization of polymer micelles. These chromophores may undergo photoredox chemistry or be utilized as probes of the local micelle environment. We also discuss our studies of the rate of release of absorbed small molecules (e.g., phenanthrene, pyrene) using fluorescence techniques. Last we describe our approach to the modification of surfaces by either adsorption or chemical attachment of polymer micelles.

Polymeric micelles: authoritative aspects for drug delivery

“…PDI of micelles is obtained by examining the micellar solution with quasi-elastic light scattering technique. Monodisperse micelles produce blue color from light scattering which indicates good micellar preparation, as contrasted with the white color shown by aggregates [188]. PDI of the micelles is also obtained from DLS measurements.…”

Aqueous solutions of random poly(methyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid): effect of the acrylic acid content

“…), the hydrophobic interactions are of key importance for the onset of energetically favorable inter-and intra-associations of the amphiphilic polymers in water. Aside from the onset of typical spherical polymer micelles (hydrophobic core/ hydrophilic shell(s)), [11][12][13] more complex structures based on loops and cross-linking of the chains can occur in the solution bulk. Besides, if a coordinated network of cross-links is built between the macromolecules, the viscosity of the system increases.…”

Preparation and evaluation of SiO2-deposited stearic acid-g-chitosan nanoparticles for doxorubicin delivery

“…As discussed in the "In vitro release assay" section, CS-SA/SiO 2 / DOX nanoparticles showed faster drug release behaviors than CS-SA/DOX micelles in vitro. Additionally, it was described in the "Cellular uptake" section that CS-SA/SiO 2 more easily than CS-SA/DOX micelles. A fast drug-release rate and enhanced cellular uptake capacity resulted in a large amount of DOX internalized into cells in a relatively short time when CS-SA/SiO 2 /DOX nanoparticles were incubated with A549 cells.…”

“…2 In an aqueous environment, hydrophobic chains of the amphiphilic copolymer can aggregate into the inner core through hydrophobic interactions while the hydrophilic chains form the outer shell of micelle. The hydrophobic core serves as a reservoir for hydrophobic drugs, leading to improved bioavailability of insoluble drugs by increasing their solubility.…”