Polymeric micelles: A ray of hope among new drug delivery systems

Abstract

In this fast-growing nanotechnological drug delivery era the focus is narrowing to real nanocarriers that can be commercialized to improve human healthcare. Many nanocarriers have shown drug delivery potential

however, only a few have shown the real potential to wind up in the hands of customers (the patients). In drug delivery, colloidal system and polymeric micelles have attracted great attention in the recent three decades. Generally, polymeric micelles have high stability than surfactant-based micelles. These carriers have recently been advanced as newer and effective drug delivery system for targeting of amphiphilic and poorly water-soluble drug(s). The application of polymeric micelles to assist drug delivery has already been established. These are shown to be beneficial for the stabilization and distribution of compound to target the site. Recently, to enhance the accumulation and to reduce toxicity, the micellar formulation is targeted to a particular site. They have been extensively employed to improve the delivery characteristics of poorly water-soluble bioactive. Numerous polymeric micellar architects have been developed and studied over the past few decades. Many of them have gradually progressed through clinical trials. This review summarizes the relevant properties of polymeric micelles including the types of micelles, their formation, critical micelle concentration, size of polymeric micelles, and shape of molecules and other attributes. © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved..