Self-Assembling Prodrugs

摘要

Self-assembly of a simple molecular building unit can yield complex supramolecular architectures with new functions that the individual unit does not carry.This strategy has been used to create a plethora of interesting nanoscopic and microscopic morphologies from block copolymers,small molecular amphiphiles,peptides,proteins,and DNA.The specific control over size,shape,surface chemistry,and degradation kinetics enables supramolecular nanostructures the unique capacity for use as carriers to deliver therapeutic agents.In this carrier-cargo approach,the self-assembling units are typically biocompatible and biodegradable but biologically inert molecules that do not possess any function beyond ensuring the specific delivery and controlled release of the functional units.