Block Co-polymeric Nanocarriers: Design, Concept, and Therapeutic Applications

Preface
Acknowledgment
Contents
Editors and Contributors
1: Development and Synthesis of Block Co-polymer and their Role in Nanotechnology
	1.1 Introduction
		1.1.1 Nomenclature
		1.1.2 Physical Properties
		1.1.3 Thermal Properties
		1.1.4 Processability
		1.1.5 Mechanical Properties
		1.1.6 Optical Properties
		1.1.7 Chemical Resistance
		1.1.8 Transport Properties
		1.1.9 Blending Properties
	1.2 Classification of Block Copolymers
		1.2.1 Based on Chain Length
			1.2.1.1 Linear Block Copolymer
			1.2.1.2 Nonlinear Block Copolymers
			1.2.1.3 Star-Block Copolymers
			1.2.1.4 Miktoarm Star Copolymers
		1.2.2 Based on Properties
			1.2.2.1 Hydrophilic Block Copolymer
			1.2.2.2 Hydrophobic Block Copolymers
			1.2.2.3 Amphiphilic Block Copolymers
	1.3 Synthesis of Block Copolymers with Distinct Structures Can Be Accomplished Using One of Three Main Methods
		1.3.1 Living Polymerization by Sequential Additions of Different Monomers
		1.3.2 Living Polymerization of the Original Polymer Chain Via the Addition of a Terminal End
		1.3.3 Via the Addition of Highly Reactive Functional Groups between Different Polymers in the Final Reaction Step
		1.3.4 Living Polymerization by Sequential Additions of Different Monomers
			1.3.4.1 Living Anionic Polymerization
			1.3.4.2 Living Cationic Polymerization
			1.3.4.3 Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization
			1.3.4.4 Other Living Polymerizations Methods
	1.4 Different Polymeric Formulations and their Pharmaceutical Applications
		1.4.1 Micelles
		1.4.2 Hydrogels
		1.4.3 Polymersomes
		1.4.4 Cubosomes
		1.4.5 Other Nanostructure System
	1.5 Conclusion
	References
2: Role of Block Co-Polymers in Drug Delivery
	2.1 Introduction
	2.2 Polymeric Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery
		2.2.1 Nanoparticles
		2.2.2 Micelles
		2.2.3 Hydrogel
	2.3 Stimuli-Responsive Polymers for Drug Delivery
		2.3.1 Temperature-Sensitive Drug Delivery Systems
		2.3.2 Redox-Responsive Polymeric Drug Delivery Systems
		2.3.3 Light-Responsive Polymeric Drug Delivery Systems
		2.3.4 Enzyme-Sensitive Polymers
	2.4 Conclusion and Future Prospects
	References
3: Role of Block Copolymers in the Enhancement of Poor Solubility of Drugs
	3.1 Introduction
	3.2 Solubility Enhancement by Micelle Formation Using Block-Copolymer
	3.3 Mechanism of Solubilization by Micelles
	3.4 Latest Studies on Solubility Enhancement by Micelles Using Block Copolymers
	3.5 Solubility Enhancement by Solid Dispersion Using Block Copolymer
	3.6 Technique for Making Solid Dispersions (SDD)
	3.7 Latest Studies on Solubility Enhancement by SDD Using Block Copolymers
	3.8 Conclusion
	References
4: Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers
	4.1 Introduction
	4.2 Methodologies for Synthesis of Block Copolymers
		4.2.1 Sequential Additions of Various Monomers during Living Polymerization
		4.2.2 The Process of Initiating another Living Polymerization by Using End-Functional Groups on the Original Polymer Chain
		4.2.3 End-Linking Reaction between Different Polymers through Highly Reactive Functional Groups
	4.3 Ionic Polymerization
		4.3.1 Anionic Polymerization
		4.3.2 Cationic Polymerization
	4.4 Ring Opening Polymerization
	4.5 Radical Chain Polymerization
		4.5.1 Techniques Involved in Radical Polymerization
			4.5.1.1 Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT)
				RAFT Mechanism
			4.5.1.2 Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP)
				ATRP Mechanism
				Methods for Initiation of ATRP
			4.5.1.3 Nitroxide Mediated Radical Polymerization (NMP)
				NMP Polymerization
	4.6 Self-Assembly
		4.6.1 RAFT Mediated PISA
		4.6.2 ATRP Mediated PISA
		4.6.3 NMP Mediated PISA
	4.7 Applications
		4.7.1 Cancer Therapy
		4.7.2 Vaccine Delivery
		4.7.3 Biomedical 3D Printing
		4.7.4 Analgesics
		4.7.5 Photodynamic Therapy
		4.7.6 Antimicrobial Therapy
	4.8 Conclusion
	References
5: Role of Block Copolymers in the Treatment of Brain Disorders
	5.1 Introduction
	5.2 Brain Disorders
		5.2.1 Brain Cancer
		5.2.2 Neurodegenerative Diseases
			5.2.2.1 Alzheimer´s Disease (AD)
			5.2.2.2 Parkinson´s Disease (PD)
	5.3 Crossing the BBB-A Challenge
	5.4 Applications in Drug Delivery and Release
	5.5 Coating Polymers
		5.5.1 Polysorbate (PS)
		5.5.2 Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
		5.5.3 Chitosan
		5.5.4 Poly-  Caprolactone (PCL)
		5.5.5 Polyacrylic Acid (PACA)
		5.5.6 Poly (Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) (PLGA)
		5.5.7 Hyaluronic Acid (HUA)
		5.5.8 Cyclodextrins (CDs)
		5.5.9 Human Serum Albumin (HSA)
	5.6 Polymer-Coated Nanoparticles
	5.7 Challenges
	5.8 Conclusions and Future Prospective
	References
6: Role of Co-Block Polymers in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
	6.1 Introduction
	6.2 Neurodegenerative Diseases
	6.3 Blood-Brain Barrier
	6.4 Role of Nanomedicines in Advanced Therapeutics for Neurodegenerative Diseases
	6.5 Structural Impact of Block Copolymers and Advantages in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
		6.5.1 Molecular Architecture of co-Block Polymers
		6.5.2 Self-Assembly and Supramolecular Organisation
		6.5.3 Physicochemical Properties of co-Block Polymers
		6.5.4 Target Specificity
	6.6 Challenges
		6.6.1 Biocompatibility and Biodistribution
		6.6.2 Targeting Specificity and Pharmacokinetics
	6.7 Advantages
	6.8 Strategies to Transport Therapeutics in Neurodegenerative Diseases Using Block Copolymers
	6.9 Mechanism of Action of Co-Block Polymers
		6.9.1 Transport Mechanisms
		6.9.2 Drug Delivery System
		6.9.3 Receptor-Mediated Transcytosis
		6.9.4 Carrier-Mediated Transcytosis
		6.9.5 Adsorptive-Mediated Transcytosis
	6.10 Therapeutic Applications of Co-Block Polymers in Different Neurodegenerative Disease
	6.11 Clinical Status of Nanomedicines in Neurodegenerative Diseases
	6.12 Current Status of Recent Advancements of co-Block Polymers
	6.13 Conclusion and Future Perspectives
	References
7: Role of Block Copolymers in Colon Cancer
	7.1 Introduction
	7.2 Colon Cancer
		7.2.1 Classification of CRC
	7.3 Polymer Used in Management of CRC
		7.3.1 Biodegradable Polymers
	7.4 Co-block Polymer and Biomaterials for Treatment of Colon Cancer
		7.4.1 PEG/PLA
		7.4.2 PEG/PCL
	7.5 Therapeutic Approach for Management of Colon Cancer
	7.6 Polymeric Nanostructures for Management of Colon Cancer
		7.6.1 Polymeric Micelles
		7.6.2 Nanogels
		7.6.3 Polymeric Nanocapsules
		7.6.4 Dendrimers
	7.7 Challenges and New Perspectives
	7.8 Conclusion
	References
8: Role of Copolymers in Lung Cancer
	8.1 Introduction
		8.1.1 Block Copolymers
		8.1.2 Classification of Block Copolymers
			8.1.2.1 Hydrophilic Copolymer
			8.1.2.2 Hydrophobic Block Copolymer
			8.1.2.3 Amphiphilic Block Copolymer
	8.2 Various Copolymers Used in Drug Delivery
		8.2.1 Chitosan Derivatives
		8.2.2 Hyaluronic Acid, Poly(Glycolic Acid) and Poly(Lactic Acid)
		8.2.3 Poly(N-Isopropyl Acrylamide)s
		8.2.4 Poly(N-(2-Hydroxypropyl) Meth-Acrylamide)s
		8.2.5 Polyethylenimine Copolymers
	8.3 Implication of Polymeric Nanocarriers in Lung Cancer
		8.3.1 Hydrogels
		8.3.2 Micelles
		8.3.3 Nanoparticles
	8.4 Conclusion
	8.5 Future Perspectives
	References
9: An Insight to Block Copolymers in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management
	9.1 Introduction
	9.2 Pathophysiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
	9.3 Current Drug Therapy for IBD
	9.4 Block Copolymer
		9.4.1 Synthesis of BCPs
		9.4.2 Controlled Polymerization
		9.4.3 Living Anionic Polymerization
		9.4.4 Combination of Various Polymerization Strategies
		9.4.5 Self-Assembly in Solution
	9.5 Mechanism of Uptake of Block Copolymer Based Nano-System in IBD
	9.6 Applications and Delivery Systems for Block Copolymers
		9.6.1 Nanoparticles
		9.6.2 Micelles
		9.6.3 Polymersomes
		9.6.4 Hydrogels
		9.6.5 Various Other Nanosystems
	9.7 Role of BCP in IBD
	9.8 Advantage of BCP over Other Delivery System
	9.9 Importance of BCP in IBD
	9.10 Conclusion and Future Prospect
	References
10: Role of Block Copolymers in Vaccines
	10.1 Introduction
	10.2 Advantages of Block Copolymer Over Conventional Polymer Used in Vaccine
		10.2.1 Enhances Stability
		10.2.2 Improves Solubility and Bioavailability
		10.2.3 Targeted Drug Delivery
		10.2.4 Adjuvant Properties
	10.3 Application of Block Copolymers in Vaccine Delivery
		10.3.1 As a Nanocarrier for Vaccine Delivery
			10.3.1.1 Biodegradable Polymeric Nanoparticles
			10.3.1.2 Micelles
			10.3.1.3 Microspheres
			10.3.1.4 Nanogel
		10.3.2 As an Adjuvant for Vaccine Delivery
			10.3.2.1 Types of Adjuvants
				Inorganic Adjuvants
					Aluminum Adjuvant
					Graphene Oxide
				Organic
					Polymer Adjuvants
	10.4 Recent Developments in Vaccine Preparation with Block Copolymer
	10.5 Side Effects of Block Copolymer in Vaccine Delivery
		10.5.1 Immunogenicity
		10.5.2 Toxicity
		10.5.3 Interference with Vaccine Efficacy
		10.5.4 Physiological Effects
	10.6 Block Copolymer Safety, Handling, and Cost
		10.6.1 Safety
		10.6.2 Handling
		10.6.3 Price
	10.7 Marketed Vaccines Containing Block Copolymer
	10.8 Conclusions
	References
11: Role of Block Copolymer in the Treatment of GIT Disorder
	11.1 Introduction
	11.2 Self-Assembly
		11.2.1 Thin Film-Based BCP Self-Assembly
		11.2.2 Bulk Base BCP Self-Assembly
		11.2.3 Solution Base BCP Self-Assembly
	11.3 Synthesis
		11.3.1 Controlled Radical Polymerization (CRP)
		11.3.2 Combination of Different Polymerization Techniques
	11.4 Block Copolymer as a Carrier
	11.5 Applications
		11.5.1 In Drug Delivery and Release
		11.5.2 Applications in Soft Lithography
		11.5.3 In Medicinal Applications
	11.6 Role of Block Copolymer in the Treatment of Different GIT Disorders
	11.7 Future Aspects and Conclusion
	References
12: Role of Block Copolymers in Topical Drug Delivery
	12.1 Introduction
		12.1.1 Advantages of Block Copolymers-Based Nanocarriers in Topical Drug Delivery
	12.2 Various Block Copolymers Used to Develop Nanocarriers
		12.2.1 Poly Caprolactone-b-Poly (Ethylene Oxide) (PCL-b-PEO)
		12.2.2 Poloxamer
		12.2.3 Poly (DL-Lactide-Co-Glycolide)- b-Poly (Ethylene Glycol)-b-Poly (DL-Lactide-Co-Glycolide) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA)
		12.2.4 Polyether-Modified Poly (Acrylic Acid)
	12.3 Topical Nanocarrier Delivery Approaches Using Block Copolymers
		12.3.1 Nanoparticles
		12.3.2 Nanofibrils
		12.3.3 Nanoemulsion
		12.3.4 Polymersomes
		12.3.5 Tyrospheres
		12.3.6 Niosomes
		12.3.7 Nanomicelle
	12.4 Conclusion
	References
13: Role of Block Copolymers in Targeted Drug Delivery
	13.1 Introduction
	13.2 Classification of Block Copolymers
		13.2.1 Linear Block Copolymer
		13.2.2 Star Block Copolymers
	13.3 Preparation of BCPs
	13.4 Applications of Block Copolymers
		13.4.1 Nanotechnology
		13.4.2 Nanolithography
		13.4.3 Mesoporous Materials
		13.4.4 Transdermal Drug Delivery System
		13.4.5 Drug Encapsulation
		13.4.6 Diagnostics
		13.4.7 Controlled Drug Delivery
		13.4.8 Drug Release in Target Cell
			13.4.8.1 Cancer Therapy
			13.4.8.2 Brain Targeting
			13.4.8.3 Nerve Injury
			13.4.8.4 Dermatological Diseases
			13.4.8.5 Gene and Protein Therapy
			13.4.8.6 siRNA Delivery
			13.4.8.7 Sustained Drug Delivery as Injectables
			13.4.8.8 miRNA Delivery
	13.5 Conclusion
	13.6 Future Prospects
	References
14: Role of Block Copolymers in Ocular Drug Delivery
	14.1 Introduction
	14.2 Synthetic Polymers in Ocular Drug Delivery
		14.2.1 Polyethylene Oxides
		14.2.2 Polyvinyl Alcohols
		14.2.3 Polymethacrylates
		14.2.4 Polyolefins
		14.2.5 Polyesters
		14.2.6 Dendrimers
	14.3 Biopolymers or Biologically Derived Polymers for Ocular Drug Delivery
		14.3.1 Polysaccharide Biopolymers
		14.3.2 Protein Biopolymers
	14.4 Polymeric Biomaterial Forms
	14.5 Functionality of Block Copolymers in Ocular Drug Delivery
	14.6 Types of Block Copolymer
	14.7 Block Copolymeric Nanocarriers Used for Ocular Drug Delivery System
	14.8 Future Developments and Conclusion
	References
15: Block Co-polymers: Vital Aspects and Applications in Drug Delivery
	15.1 Introduction
	15.2 Block Copolymer: Biocompatibility
	15.3 Classification of Copolymers
		15.3.1 Random Copolymer
		15.3.2 Alternating Copolymer
		15.3.3 Graft Copolymer
		15.3.4 Block Copolymers
			15.3.4.1 Amphiphilic Block Copolymer
			15.3.4.2 Double-Hydrophilic Block Copolymer (DHBCs)
			15.3.4.3 Stimuli-Responsive Block Copolymer
			15.3.4.4 Thermo-Sensitive Block Copolymer
			15.3.4.5 Soluble Self-Assemble Block Copolymer
	15.4 Block Copolymers: Design Criteria
		15.4.1 Shell-Creating Segments
		15.4.2 Core-Forming Segments
		15.4.3 Stimuli Sensitivity
	15.5 Polymeric Micelles as Carriers of Small Drugs
		15.5.1 Polymeric Micelles Formation
		15.5.2 Block Copolymeric Micelles for Drug Delivery Applications
	15.6 Surface Modification of Polymeric Micelles with Ligand Molecules
	15.7 Criteria for Designing Block Copolymers Towards Systemic Gene Therapy
	15.8 Summary
	15.9 Future Perspectives
	References
16: Applications of Block Copolymers as Stimuli-Responsive Copolymers
	16.1 Introduction
	16.2 Chemistry of Block Copolymer
	16.3 Characterization of Block Copolymer
		16.3.1 Molecular Characterization
		16.3.2 Microscopic Characterization
		16.3.3 Scattering Pattern Characterization
		16.3.4 Spectroscopic Characterization
		16.3.5 Other Characterization Techniques
	16.4 Stimuli-Responsive Application of Block Copolymers
		16.4.1 pH-Responsive Block Copolymers
		16.4.2 Temperature Responsive Block Copolymers
		16.4.3 Photoresponsive Block Copolymers
		16.4.4 Redox-Responsive Block Copolymers
		16.4.5 Multi-Stimuli-Responsive Block Copolymer
	16.5 Conclusion and Future Aspect
	References
17: Patented Block Co-Polymers for Various Therapeutics Applications
	17.1 Introduction
	17.2 Patents in the Field of Block Copolymer
		17.2.1 Linear Block Copolymer
		17.2.2 Multi-Arm Block Copolymers as Drug Delivery Vehicles
		17.2.3 Semi-Fluorinated Block Copolymers for Delivery of Therapeutic Agents
		17.2.4 Amphiphilic Block Copolymers for Delivery of Active Agents
	17.3 Patents in the Field of Drug Delivery
		17.3.1 Micelles
		17.3.2 Nanosphere
		17.3.3 Contact Lens
	17.4 Conclusions
	References