Polymeric Micelles for Cancer-Targeted Drug Delivery

Polymeric micelles have received great attention in the past two decades as the clinically promising nanocarrier for cancer-targeted delivery, which possess a core-shell structure with size range of 10-100 nm. The new generation of copolymers is extensively considered to provide flexible nanostructure design of polymeric micelles, which are designated to generate ideal physicochemical properties including surface functionalization, tailor-made size and morphology, tunable drug release, stimuli-responsiveness, and pinpoint drug release for cancer therapy. In this chapter, recent progress that seeks to achieve ideal nanostructure and physicochemical properties for efficient cancer-targeted delivery are presented. Strategies to overcome multiple biological barriers for superior anticancer efficacy are highlighted. Finally, perspectives on existing challenges and future opportunities are emphasized.