Nanomicelles: using nanoparticles for cancer treatment

Context:

Researchers have created a nanomicelle that can be used to deliver a drug named docetaxel, which is commonly used to treat various cancers including breast, colon, and lung cancer.

About:

• Similar to nanoshells and nanovesicles, nanomicelles are extremely small structures and have been noted as an emerging platform in targeted therapy.
• Nanomicelles are globe-like structures with a hydrophilic outer shell and a hydrophobic interior.
  • The hydrophobic core interacts with hydrophobic drugs/agents, whereas the hydrophilic tail helps to surround water and enhances solubility.
• This dual property makes them a perfect carrier for delivering drug molecules.
• The nanomicelles are less than 100nm in size and are stable at room temperature.
• Once injected intravenously these nanomicelles can easily escape the circulation and enter the solid tumors where the blood vessels are found to be leaky.