ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a general review on recent developments of polymer micelles for cancer chemotherapeutics, the basic concept of hydrotropic solubilization, and a systemic rationale of hydrotropic polymer micelle systems. In particular, it focuses on the design strategy and unique properties of hydrotropic micelle formulations for the delivery of poorly soluble anti-cancer drugs. The chapter summarizes polymeric micelles for drug delivery applications in terms of methods/mechanism of micelle formation, influencing factors of stabilization, and solubilization of poorly soluble drugs. Hydrotropic polymer micelle formulation presents an alternative and promising approach in formulation of poorly soluble drugs. Based on synergistic effect of the micellar characteristics and hydrotropic activity, the hydrotropic polymer micelles exhibit a high drug loading capacity with enhanced long-term stability in aqueous media. The high versatility of the hydrotropic polymer micelle in creating a broad range of drug formulations gives it the potential for a broad range of formulations in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
