Micelles from amphiphilic block copolyphosphates for drug delivery
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Anionic Polymerization of an Amphiphilic Copolymer for Preparation of Block Copolymer Micelles Stabilized by π-π Stacking Interactions
Published on: October 10, 2016
Xiang Zhai1, Wei Huang, Jinyao Liu
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Amphiphilic block copolyphosphates (PEP-b-PIPPs) are synthesized by two-step ROP of cyclic phosphate monomers with different pedant groups. They can spontaneously self-assemble into approximately spherical micelles ranging in size between 89 and 198 nm in water. A typical hydrophobic anti-cancer drug DOX is encapsulated into the micelles. The release rate of DOX slows down with increasing hydrophobic block length of PIPP. DOX-loaded micelles are investigated for the proliferation inhibition of Hela cells and the DOX dose required for 50% cellular growth inhibition is found to be 0.8 µg mL(-1). It is demonstrated that PEP-b-PIPP micelles can be used as a safe and promising drug delivery system.
Related Concept Videos
Micelles
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
Surface Active Agents
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II

