Unipolymeric micelles: Properties & biological significance

The most serious problem with formulating drugs in surfactant systems is the paucity of suitable, biodegradable materials available for drug delivery. The polymers discussed herein are directly dispersible in aqueous solution and able to water-solubilize hyrdophobic drugs. Using previously developed synthetic methods, systematic alterations in polymer structure are easily attainable. Control over the chain length, ratio of hydrophobic to hydrophilic components, and the polymer properties enables control of the size and hydrophobic characteristics of the polymer complexes in water. The nature and stability of the polymeric drug carrier are of fundamental importance in understanding their potential drug carrying capacity. Of particular interest is the physical nature of the polymer core; knowledge about the core facilitates drug solubilization and subsequent release.