Poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) block copolymer micelles as drug delivery agents: improved hydrosolubility, stability and bioavailability of drugs

Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2007 Jun;66(3):303-17. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2007.03.022. Epub 2007 Mar 31.

Abstract

The low solubility in biological fluids displayed by about 50% of the drugs still remains the main limitation in oral, parenteral, and transdermal administration. Among the existing strategies to overcome these drawbacks, inclusion of hydrophobic drugs into polymeric micelles is one of the most attractive alternatives. Amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) block copolymers are thermoresponsive materials that display unique aggregation properties in aqueous medium. Due to their ability to form stable micellar systems in water, these materials are broadly studied as hydrosolubilizers for poorly water-soluble drugs. The present review provides a concise description of the most important applications of PEO-PPO-based copolymers in the Pharmaceutical Technology field as means for attaining improved solubility, stability, release, and bioavailability of drugs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Availability
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Drug Stability*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Micelles
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Polyethylene Glycols / administration & dosage*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Propylene Glycols / administration & dosage*
  • Propylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Solubility
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Micelles
  • Propylene Glycols
  • Polyethylene Glycols