Polymeric nanoparticles, micelles and polymersomes from amphiphilic block copolymer

Abstract

Block copolymers are made up of blocks of different polymerized monomers. Among the block copolymers, amphiphilic block copolymers can self-assemble to form nano-sized vehicles, such as micelles, nanoparticles, polymersomes, in aqueous or non-aqueous media. This review describes the synthesis, formation, and major applications of amphiphilic block copolymer and corresponding vehicles in order to provide an overview of the current features of functionalized block copolymers for drug delivery applications.

Novel nelfinavir mesylate loaded d -α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate micelles for enhanced pediatric anti HIV therapy: In vitro characterization and in vivo evaluation

“…2b). The core-corona spherical structure was expected since the length of the TPGS hydrophilic domain (PEG) results longer than its hydrophobic alkyl tail (vitamin E succinate), promoting this type of morphology [37]. Moreover the micellar size calculated by TEM was in good concordance with the average hydrodynamic diameter obtained by DLS.…”

Synthesis and aggregation properties in water solution of comblike methacrylic polymers with oligo(propylene glycol)‐block‐oligo(ethylene glycol) as side chains

“…The unique solution and associative properties of amphiphilic block copolymers, [1][2][3][4] consequence of their molecular structure, have motivated both applied and academic interest. Thus, block copolymers composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) have been extensively studied for also their good biomedical properties.…”

Paclitaxel-loaded polymeric micelles based on poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ɛ-caprolactone) triblock copolymers: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

“…The type of structure formed is dependent on the relative lengths of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks of the copolymer, molecular weight, as well as on the method of preparation. [25][26][27] As a general rule, a ratio of hydrophilic block to total polymer mass of approximately ≤35% ± 10% yields membrane structures, whereas copolymers with ratios greater than 45% generally form micelles. 26 In the present study, a series of biodegradable PCEC triblock copolymers was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of ɛ-CL initiated by PEG.…”

“…Amphiphilic block copolymer could form micelles (spherical, prolate, or oblate) or polymersomes, largely depending on the ratio of hydrophilic to hydrophobic block volume fraction. [25][26][27] In this study, a series of biodegradable PCEC copolymers were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of ɛ-CL initiated by PEG. Both the PTX-loaded polymeric micelles and polymersomes were successfully prepared from PCEC copolymer with proper ratio of hydrophilic block to total polymer mass using thin-film method.…”