A review of the formation and classification of amphiphilic block copolymer nanoparticulate structures: micelles, nanospheres, nanocapsules and polymersomes

Kevin Letchford; Helen Burt

doi:10.1016/j.ejpb.2006.11.009

A review of the formation and classification of amphiphilic block copolymer nanoparticulate structures: micelles, nanospheres, nanocapsules and polymersomes

Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2007 Mar;65(3):259-69. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2006.11.009. Epub 2006 Nov 23.

Authors

Kevin Letchford¹, Helen Burt

Affiliation

¹ Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

PMID: 17196803
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2006.11.009

Abstract

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.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
Dosage Forms*
Drug Carriers* / classification
Drug Compounding
Liposomes
Micelles
Models, Chemical
Nanocapsules
Nanotechnology*
Nanotubes
Particle Size
Polymers / chemical synthesis
Polymers / chemistry*
Polymers / classification
Surface-Active Agents / chemical synthesis
Surface-Active Agents / chemistry*
Surface-Active Agents / classification
Technology, Pharmaceutical* / methods
Terminology as Topic*

Substances

Dosage Forms
Drug Carriers
Liposomes
Micelles
Nanocapsules
Polymers
Surface-Active Agents