Nanoscale Polymersomes as Anti-Cancer Drug Carriers Applied for Pharmaceutical Delivery

Curr Pharm Des. 2016;22(19):2857-65. doi: 10.2174/1381612822666160217142319.

Abstract

Polymersomes are self-assembled nano-vesicles composed of amphiphilic block copolymers. These building blocks can be selected from a large number of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers in order to achieve required properties of the final system, such as biodegradability, sustainable and multiple stimuli-response drug release, long blood circulation, and low toxicity. Moreover, the surface of polymersomes can be functionalized to induce targeting character. Polymersomes are able to encapsulate a broad range of hydrophilic or/and hydrophobic molecules either in the aqueous core or membrane bilayer, respectively. In addition, colloidal stability and low membrane fluidity make polymersomes attractive nano-sized drug carriers. The review describes polymersomes compositions, their applications in pharmaceutical delivery, and preparation methods.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Polymers