Polymeric nano micelles as a drug carrier

Over recent decades there has been increasing interest in developing drug delivery systems using polymeric micelles with nano size. Major challenges in drug delivery systems associated with nano micelles include achievement of a prolonged blood circulation and controlling appropriate drug release at target sites. The amphiphilic block copolymers show self-assembly behavior in aqueous media leading to micellar systems. Thus, the polymeric micelles formed in aqueous media from amphiphilic block copolymers are currently recognized as one of the most promising modalities of drug carriers. We will focus on the polymeric micelles as drug carrier. First, self-assembly of block copolymers in aqueous to form stable polymeric micelles will be discussed. The basic principles of self-assembly and micellization of block copolymers will be then given. Finally, we will concentrate on polymeric micelles, showing promise as long circulating carriers for drug delivery.