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Nanoengineering Branched Star Polymer‐Based Formulations: Scope, Strategies, and Advances
Author(s) -
Yong Hui Wen,
Kakkar Ashok
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
macromolecular bioscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.924
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1616-5195
pISSN - 1616-5187
DOI - 10.1002/mabi.202100105
Subject(s) - nanocarriers , drug delivery , polymer , nanotechnology , amphiphile , polymer architecture , nanomedicine , materials science , nanoengineering , micelle , bioavailability , nanoparticle , copolymer , chemistry , organic chemistry , pharmacology , medicine , aqueous solution
Abstract Soft nanoparticles continue to offer a promising platform for the encapsulation and controlled delivery of poorly water‐soluble drugs and help enhance their bioavailability at targeted sites. Linear amphiphilic block copolymers are the most extensively investigated in formulating delivery vehicles. However, more recently, there has been increasing interest in utilizing branched macromolecules for nanomedicine, as these have been shown to lower critical micelle concentrations, form particles of smaller dimensions, facilitate the inclusion of varied compositions and function‐based entities, as well as provide prolonged and sustained release of cargo. In this review, it is aimed to discuss some of the key variables that are studied in tailoring branched architecture‐based assemblies, and their influence on drug loading and delivery. By understanding structure–property relationships in these formulations, one can better design branched star polymers with suitable characteristics for efficient therapeutic interventions. The role played by polymer composition, chain architecture, crosslinking, stereocomplexation, compatibility between polymers and drugs, drug/polymer concentrations, and self‐assembly methods in their performance as nanocarriers is highlighted.