title: Stimuli-sensitive polymeric micelles as anticancer drug carriers.
abstract: Amphiphilic block copolymers often form core-shell type micelles by self-organization of the blocks in an aqueous medium or under specific experimental conditions. Polymeric micelles constructed from these polymers that contain a segment whose physical or chemical properties respond to small changes in environmental conditions are collectively called 'stimuli-sensitive' micelles. This class of nano-scaled constructs has been investigated as a promising anti-cancer drug carrier because the micelles are able to utilize small environmental changes and modify drug release kinetics, biodistribution and the interactions with tissues and cells. This review summarizes the recent progress in stimuli-sensitive micelles for tumor chemotherapy, particularly for those responding to hyperthermic conditions, tumor pH and endosomal/lysosomal pH.
authors.affiliation: Division of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Yokkok 2-Dong, Wonmi-Gu, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-Do, Korea.
authors.forename: Kun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Na
authors.forename: Vijay T
authors.initials: VT
authors.lastname: Sethuraman
authors.forename: You Han
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Bae
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004337:Drug Carriers; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008823:Micelles; D049329:Nanostructures; D036103:Nanotechnology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010539:Permeability; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008823:Micelles; D011108:Polymers