Block copolymeric biotransport carriers as versatile vehicles for drug delivery.

This review describes block co-polymer-based systems that are used in drug delivery. The main focus is on amphiphilic block co-polymers, the application of which modifies the pharmacological performance of various classes of drugs and is attracting more and more attention. The two main reasons for this are the high tendency of block co-polymer-based drug formulations to self-assemble and the flexibility of block co-polymer chemistry, which allows precise tailoring of the carrier to virtually any chemical entity. The combination of these and some other features makes it possible to adjust block co-polymer-based drug formulations to achieve the most beneficial balance in their biological interactions (biotransport), with systems that control drug removal from the body and those that are responsible for drug therapeutic activity. The following major aspects are considered: The role of physical properties of formulations in their pharmacological performance. The chemistry and physico-chemistry of block co-polymers and structure-function relationships in these systems. Examples describing the effects of biotransport systems on drug transport and activity in cells and some results on their in vivo applications with various drugs.