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Polymeric Micelles: Recent Advancements in the Delivery of Anticancer Drugs

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Abstract

Nanotechnology, in health and medicine, extensively improves the safety and efficacy of different therapeutic agents, particularly the aspects related to drug delivery and targeting. Among various nano-carriers, polymer based macromolecular approaches have resulted in improved drug delivery for the diseases like cancers, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and many more. Polymeric micelles consisting of hydrophilic exterior and hydrophobic core have established a record of anticancer drug delivery from the laboratory to commercial reality. The nanometric size, tailor made functionality, multiple choices of polymeric micelle synthesis and stability are the unique properties, which have attracted scientists and researchers around the world to work upon in this opportunistic drug carrier. The capability of polymeric micelles as nano-carriers are nowhere less significant than nanoparticles, liposomes and other nanocarriers, as per as the commercial feasibility and presence is concerned. In fact polymeric micelles are among the most extensively studied delivery platforms for the effective treatment of different cancers as well as non-cancerous disorders. The present review highlights the sequential and recent developments in the design, synthesis, characterization and evaluation of polymeric micelles to achieve the effective anticancer drug delivery. The future possibilities and clinical outcome have also been discussed, briefly.

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Abbreviations

AA:

Acrylic acid

ATRA:

All Trans Retinoic Acid

AUC:

Area under the curve

CMC:

Critical Micellar Concentration

DEHP:

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

DSPE:

Distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine

EPR:

Enhanced Permeation and Retention

HA:

Hyaluronic acid

IP:

Intraperitoneal

IV:

Intravenous

LHR:

Low molecular weight heparin-all-trans-retinoid acid

LLC:

N-lauryl-carboxymethyl-chitosan

mPEG/MPEG:

Methoxy PEG

MTD:

Maximum Tolerated Dose

MW:

Molecular Weight

NQO1:

NADP(H): quinone oxidoreductase 1

OSC:

N-octyl-O-sulfate-chitosan

p-(CLco-TMC):

Poly (e-caprolactone-co-trimethylenecarbonate)

PBLA:

Poly (β-benzyl-L-aspartate)

PCEC:

Poly (ε-caprolactone) -polyethylene (glycol) - poly (ε-caprolactone)

PCL:

Poly (ε-caprolactone)

PDENA:

Poly (2-(4-vinylbenzyloxy) -N,N-diethylnicotinamide)

PDLLA:

Poly (D-L Lactide)

PEG:

Polyethylene Glycol

PEO:

Polyethylene Oxide

PH:

Poly (L-histidine)

PLGA:

Poly (DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid)

PLLA:

Poly (L-lactic acid)

PM:

Polymeric micelle

PMMD:

Poly (3 (S)-methyl morpholine-2,5-dione)

PTX:

Paclitaxel

PVC:

Poly vinyl chloride

SGF:

Simulated gastric fluid

SIF:

Simulated intestinal fluid

tBA:

(t- butyl acrylate)

TPGS:

d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol

VBODENA:

4- (2-vinylbenzyloxy)-N,N- (diethylnicotinamide)

WHO:

World Health Organization

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND DISCLOSURES

The authors are grateful and would like to acknowledge the University Grants Commission (UGC) New Delhi, India and Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi India, for providing research funding.

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  1. Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India

    Avinash Gothwal, Iliyas Khan & Umesh Gupta

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  1. Avinash Gothwal
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Correspondence to Umesh Gupta.

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Gothwal, A., Khan, I. & Gupta, U. Polymeric Micelles: Recent Advancements in the Delivery of Anticancer Drugs. Pharm Res 33, 18–39 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-015-1784-1

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