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Micelles

Micelles

Micelle formation is an intricate process that hinges on the properties of amphiphilic or amphipathic molecules and the conditions of the system in which they are found. Amphiphilic molecules, which have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts, play a critical role in this process.In aqueous environments, these molecules arrange themselves such that their hydrophilic heads are turned towards the water phase, while their hydrophobic tails are oriented away...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Anionic Polymerization of an Amphiphilic Copolymer for Preparation of Block Copolymer Micelles Stabilized by π-π Stacking Interactions

Anionic Polymerization of an Amphiphilic Copolymer for Preparation of Block Copolymer Micelles Stabilized by π-π Stacking Interactions

Published on: October 10, 2016

Hydrogels Containing Core Cross-Linked Block Co-Polymer Micelles.

Changhai Lu¹, Andrew S Mikhail, Xinyue Wang

¹a Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 3M2.

Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition

|May 31, 2011

Summary

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) hydrogels incorporating PEG-b-PCL micelles offer sustained drug delivery for ophthalmic therapies. These novel hydrogels demonstrate controlled release of hydrophobic dyes for at least 14 days.

Keywords:

BLOCK CO-POLYMER MICELLE DRUG DELIVERY HYDROGEL MORPHOLOGY

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Published on: April 16, 2018

Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Polymer Chemistry
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery

Background:

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) hydrogels are widely used in soft contact lenses.
Developing effective drug-eluting contact lenses requires controlled release mechanisms.
Block copolymer micelles offer potential for encapsulating and delivering therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

To prepare and evaluate poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) hydrogels loaded with core cross-linked PEG-b-PCL micelles for drug-eluting soft contact lens applications.
To investigate the impact of micelle morphology and concentration on hydrogel properties.
To assess the in vitro drug release kinetics from the developed hydrogel system.

Main Methods:

Synthesis of core cross-linked PEG-b-PCL micelles with spherical and rod-like morphologies.
Incorporation of micelles into pHEMA hydrogel matrix via chemical and physical methods.
Characterization of hydrogel transparency, swelling, and internal nanostructures.
In vitro release study of a hydrophobic fluorescent dye (DDAO) loaded within the micelles.

Main Results:

Micelle incorporation altered pHEMA hydrogel nanostructures, influenced by micelle amount and morphology.
The hydrogels exhibited transparency suitable for contact lens applications.
In vitro release of DDAO was sustained for at least 14 days, indicating controlled drug delivery.
Both chemical and physical methods proved feasible for micelle incorporation.

Conclusions:

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels loaded with core cross-linked PEG-b-PCL micelles are a viable platform for sustained ophthalmic drug delivery.
The study confirms the potential of these micelle-loaded hydrogels for controlled release of hydrophobic drugs.
This approach offers a promising strategy for developing advanced drug-eluting soft contact lenses for ocular therapies.