A Review of Polymeric Micelles and Their Applications

Abstract

Self-assembly of amphiphilic polymers with hydrophilic and hydrophobic units results in micelles (polymeric nanoparticles), where polymer concentrations are above critical micelle concentrations (CMCs). Recently, micelles with metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have been utilized in many bio-applications because of their excellent biocompatibility, pharmacokinetics, adhesion to biosurfaces, targetability, and longevity. The size of the micelles is in the range of 10 to 100 nm, and different shapes of micelles have been developed for applications. Micelles have been focused recently on bio-applications because of their unique properties, size, shape, and biocompatibility, which enhance drug loading and target release in a controlled manner. This review focused on how CMC has been calculated using various techniques. Further, micelle importance is explained briefly, different types and shapes of micelles are discussed, and further extensions for the application of micelles are addressed. In the summary and outlook, points that need focus in future research on micelles are discussed. This will help researchers in the development of micelles for different applications.

Diosmin nanocrystals alleviate Imiquimod induced psoriasis in rats via modulating TLR7,8/ NF-κB/micro RNA-31, AKT/mTOR/P70S6K milieu and Tregs / Th17 balance

“…On the other hand, the increase in the particle size after increasing the concentration of poloxamer 407 could be attributed to the fact that above the critical micelle concentration (cmc) the surfactant molecules tend to be oriented in a micelle rather than to be adsorbed on the surface of nanocrystals. Thus, the surfactant adsorption on the particle surface was reduced, leading to aggregation and increase in particle size was observed (33,34) Furthermore, the particle size was decreased from when the concentration of MC increased from 1:0.5(F7) to 1:1(F8). This may be attributed to MC being adsorbed at the solid liquid interface reducing the surface tension and leading to an increased rate of nucleation.…”

Polymeric Micellar Systems—A Special Emphasis on “Smart” Drug Delivery

“…Several reviews have gone into great detail about the polymeric micelle’s types and their corresponding features and properties [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Due to this aspect, we present the micelle kinds based on their functions ( Figure 3 ) and make a brief description based on the context of our review.…”

Recent Progress in Proteins-Based Micelles as Drug Delivery Carriers

“…The self-assembly of amphiphilic block co-polymers allows the polymeric micelles into a core–shell structure and drugs are loaded in the core of polymeric micelles. The size of polymeric micelles ranges from 10 to 100 nm [ 7 , 8 ]. The hydrophobic core of polymeric micelles is mainly composed of polyesters, poly (L-amino acids) and polycaprolactone.…”