Polymeric Micelles: Recent Advancements in the Delivery of Anticancer Drugs

Abstract

Nanotechnology, in health and medicine, extensively improves the safety and efficacy of different therapeutic agents, particularly the aspects related to drug delivery and targeting. Among various nano-carriers, polymer based macromolecular approaches have resulted in improved drug delivery for the diseases like cancers, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and many more. Polymeric micelles consisting of hydrophilic exterior and hydrophobic core have established a record of anticancer drug delivery from the laboratory to commercial reality. The nanometric size, tailor made functionality, multiple choices of polymeric micelle synthesis and stability are the unique properties, which have attracted scientists and researchers around the world to work upon in this opportunistic drug carrier. The capability of polymeric micelles as nano-carriers are nowhere less significant than nanoparticles, liposomes and other nanocarriers, as per as the commercial feasibility and presence is concerned. In fact polymeric micelles are among the most extensively studied delivery platforms for the effective treatment of different cancers as well as non-cancerous disorders. The present review highlights the sequential and recent developments in the design, synthesis, characterization and evaluation of polymeric micelles to achieve the effective anticancer drug delivery. The future possibilities and clinical outcome have also been discussed, briefly.

Effective use of nanocarriers as drug delivery systems for the treatment of selected tumors

“…However, the hydrophilic shell of PMs serves to stabilize the core, ensures the PMs' solubility in the aqueous milieu and controls in vivo pharmacokinetics. 44 The drugs can either be incorporated into the PMs by physical entrapment or via chemical attachment. 45 Some commonly used methods for the preparation of PMs are dialysis method, oil-in-water emulsion method, solvent evaporation method, co-solvent evaporation method and freeze-drying method.…”

Polymeric micelles for ocular drug delivery: From structural frameworks to recent preclinical studies

“…For the majority of these systems, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is the primary hydrophilic segment [48]. Fig.…”

Ascorbyl palmitate/d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate monoester mixed micelles for prolonged circulation and targeted delivery of compound K for antilung cancer therapy in vitro and in vivo

“…The hydrophobic core accommodates various hydrophobic molecules, such as therapeutics and imaging agents, thus improving the solubility and stability in the biological system. 20,21 The hydrophilic corona shields the core and protects the loaded drugs from interactions with the blood components. The biocompatible polymeric corona causes reduced recognition of the micelles by reticuloendothelial systems, thus providing prolonged circulation of the loaded component in the blood stream.…”