title: Structural modifications in polymeric micelles to impart multifunctionality for improved drug delivery.
abstract: Polymeric micelles are macromolecular nanoconstructs which are formed by self-assembly of synthetic amphiphilic block copolymers. These copolymers could be chemically modified to expand their functionality and hence obtain a multifunctional micelle which could serve several functions simultaneously, for example, long circulation time along with active targeting, smart polymeric micelles providing on-demand drug release for example, pH responsive micelles, redox- and light-sensitive micelles, charge-conversion micelles and core/shell cross-linked micelles. Additionally, micelles could be tailored to carry a contrast agent or siRNA/miRNA along with the drug for greater clinical benefit. The focus of the current commentary would be to highlight such chemical modifications which impart multifunctionality to a single carrier and discuss challenges involved in clinical translation of these multifunctional micelles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani, Vidya Vihar Campus, Rajasthan, 333031 India.
authors.forename: Anupama
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mittal
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani, Vidya Vihar Campus, Rajasthan, 333031 India.
authors.forename: Deepak
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chitkara
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008823:Micelles; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D050997:Nanomedicine; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003287:Contrast Media; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008823:Micelles; D035683:MicroRNAs; D011108:Polymers; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering
keywords: cross-linked; multifunctional; polymeric micelles; site-specific; stimuli-responsive