ABSTRACT
Polymeric micelles demonstrate many attractive properties as pharmaceutical carriers. An excessive stabilization of drug-bearing polymeric micelles may thus negatively influence drug efficacy and bioavailability. Thermoresponsive polymeric micelles have been shown to demonstrate an increased drug release upon temperature changes. The polymeric backbone for the attachment of multiple chelating moieties has to contain a sufficient number of reactive groups. Poly-L-lysine containing multiple free amino groups represents a frequent choice. The core compartment of the pharmaceutical polymeric micelle should demonstrate a high loading capacity, controlled-release profile for the incorporated drug, and good compatibility between the core-forming block and incorporated drug. Surfactant micelles are widely used as adjuvant and drug carrier systems in many areas of pharmaceutical technology and research on controlled drug delivery. Making micelles capable of specific accumulation in desired body compartments or pathological zones can further increase the efficiency of micelle-encapsulated pharmaceuticals.
