Nanoscale Self-Assemblies from Amphiphilic Block Copolymers as Proficient Templates in Drug Delivery

Abstract

This review article emphasizes the current enlargements in the formation and properties of the various nanostructured aggregates resulting from the self-assembly of a variety of block copolymers (BCPs) in an aqueous solution. The development of the different polymerization techniques which produce polymers with a desired predetermined molecular weight and low polydispersity is investigated with regard to their technological and biomedical applications; in particular, their applications as vehicles for drug delivery systems are considered. The solution behavior of amphiphilic BCPs and double-hydrophilic block copolymers (DHBCs), with one or both blocks being responsive to any stimulus, is discussed. Polyion complex micelles (PICMs)/polymersomes obtained from the electrostatic interaction of a polyelectrolyte-neutral BCP with oppositely charged species are also detailed. Lastly, polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA), which forms nanoscale micellar aggregates with controlled size/shape/surface functionality, and the crystallization-driven self-assembly of semicrystalline BCPs facilitated when one block of the BCP is crystallizable, are also revealed. The scalability of the copolymeric micelles in the drug delivery systems and pharmaceutical formations that are currently being used in clinical trials, research, or preclinical testing is emphasized as these micelles could be used in the future to create novel nanomedicines. The updated literature and the future perspectives of BCP self-assembly are considered.

Additive-anchored thermoresponsive nanoscale self-assembly generation in normal and reverse Tetronics®

“…Reported scattering studies have inferred the influence of additives on EO–water hydrogen bond breaking or formation leading to structural changes under the influence of temperature and the added additives. 6–17 It is also widely known that PO blocks exhibit early dehydration compared to EO blocks during the micellization process. Thus, the arrangement of these blocks in Tetronics® plays a significant role in tuning the solution characteristics and self-assembly behavior.…”

“…Data were fitted using the SASFIT tool after the scattering data were adjusted for the background and empty cell contributions were normalized to the absolute cross-sectional unit using the conventional techniques. 7–13 The employed fitted equations are described in the supplementary information.…”

“…21,22 Sugars, and polyols, being biologically-active ingredients, are too widely used to trigger the micellization in Tetronics®. 9,22 Surfactants are frequently used in BCP solutions to alter their rheological characteristics and improve the stability of their dispersions and the CP as well. The interactions of ionic surfactants with Pluronics® have been mostly studied.…”

Role of Unimers to Polymersomes Transition in Pluronic Blends for Controlled and Designated Drug Conveyance

“…A major challenge in pharmaceutics is creating effective block copolymeric-based formulations that can efficiently deliver hydrophobic drugs since they entail outstanding biocompatibility, especially remarkable drug-loading capacities, and excellent chemical and thermal stability when compared with other nanocarriers. ,, Hence, in this direction literature studies have the key role of illustrating hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions that induce nanoscale self-assembly and impact drug-loading/release properties. ,, …”

“…Researchers have explored mixed Pluronic systems to develop more precise medical formulations. ,,− For instance, Oh et al investigated the stability of a mixed system of L121 and F127 and found the most stable combination that yields enhanced solubilization of hydrophobic dyes. Subsequently, numerous studies have been focused on the application of binary Pluronic systems, considering copolymers with similar PPO and varying PEO .…”