Micelle-like nanoassemblies based on polymer–drug conjugates as an emerging platform for drug delivery

Abstract

Introduction: During the past decades, polymer–drug conjugates are one of the hottest topics in novel drug development fields. Amphiphilic polymer–drug conjugates in aqueous solution could form micelles or micelle-like nanoassemblies. Compared with polymer–drug conjugates and the micelles into which drugs are physically entrapped, micelles or micelle-like nanoassemblies based on polymer–drug conjugates bring several additional advantages, including increased drug-loading capacity, enhanced intracellular uptake, reduced systemic toxicity, and improved therapeutic efficacy.

Areas covered: This review focuses on recent progress achieved in the research field of micelles or micelle-like nanoassemblies based on polymer–drug conjugates. Firstly, properties of polymers, drugs, and linkers which could be used to build polymer–drug conjugate micelles or micelle-like nanoassemblies are summarized. Then, the characterization methods are described. Finally, the drug-targeting mechanisms are discussed. Micelles or micelle-like nanoassemblies based on polymer–drug conjugates as an emerging platform have the potential to achieve medical treatments with enhanced therapeutic effect.

Expert opinion: The application of micelles or micelle-like nanoassemblies based on polymer–drug conjugates may give new life to old active compounds abandoned due to their low solubility problems. For clinical application, there is a need to further optimize the properties of the polymer, drug, and linker.

Keywords::

• amphiphilic polymer–drug conjugates
• drug delivery
• micelle-like nanoassemblies
• micelles
• targeting mechanisms

Notes

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