Question

How can a micelle be formed from a block copolymer?

Answer 1

Block copolymer micelles are generally formed by the self-assembly of either amphiphilic or oppositely charged copolymers in an aqueous medium. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks form the corona and the core of the micelles, respectively. The presence of a nonionic water-soluble shell, as well as the scale (10–100 nm) of polymeric micelles, are expected to restrict their uptake by the mononuclear phagocyte system and allow for passive targeting of cancerous or inflamed tissues through the enhanced permeation and retention effect.