A review of the formation and classification of amphiphilic block copolymer nanoparticulate structures: micelles, nanospheres, nanocapsules and polymersomes.
Amphiphilic block copolymers are able to form a range of different nanoparticulate structures. These include micelles, nanospheres, nanocapsules, and polymersomes. This review attempts to clarify some of the terminology used in the literature by providing an overview of the major features of each type of nanoparticle and the factors that influence the formation of particular nanoparticulate formulations.
Letchford
Kevin
K
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Burt
Helen
H
D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004304:Dosage Forms; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000145:classification; D004339:Drug Compounding; D008081:Liposomes; D008823:Micelles; D008956:Models, Chemical; D053769:Nanocapsules; D036103:Nanotechnology; D043942:Nanotubes; D010316:Particle Size; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods; D009626:Terminology as Topic
D004304:Dosage Forms; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008081:Liposomes; D008823:Micelles; D053769:Nanocapsules; D011108:Polymers; D013501:Surface-Active Agents