Next-generation cancer nanotherapeutics: Pluronic^® F127 based mixed micelles for enhanced drug delivery

Cancer, projected to become the second leading cause of mortality globally, underscores the critical need for precise drug delivery systems. Nanotechnology, particularly micelles, has emerged as a promising avenue. These nano-sized colloidal dispersions (< 100 nm) utilize amphiphilic molecules featuring a hydrophilic tail and hydrophobic core, facilitating efficient drug encapsulation and delivery. Pluronic^® F127, a triblock copolymer (PEO₁₀₁-PPO₅₆-PEO₁₀₁), has emerged as a promising drug carrier due to its non-ionic, less-toxic nature, which prolongs drug circulation time and improves drug delivery across blood-brain and intestinal barriers. Mixed micelles, formed using Pluronic^® F127 combined with other polymers, surfactants, and drugs, enhance drug solubility, stability, and targeted delivery. This review highlights the key features of mixed micelles, including enhanced pharmacokinetics and targeting abilities, folic acid (FA) conjugation strategies, superior cytotoxicity with reduced side effects, overcoming multidrug resistance, and versatility across various cancer types and compounds. Additionally, the potential for clinical translation of Pluronic^® F127-based mixed micelle in cancer treatment is discussed, addressing current challenges and paving the way for optimized applications.