Biocompatible Particles Based on Block-Copolymer Aggregates for Intravascular Administration

The aggregation between hydrophobic/hydrophilic block copoly mer unimers in water was analyzed. Based on the molecular weight and com position of the block polymer, the number of unimers in each particulate aggre gate, the size of the particle and the size of the particle core, the average distance between the solvated chains attached to the micelle core was calculated. The distance between the terminally attached chains was com pared with the Flory radius R _f which was related to the extent that the chains were forced to stay in the "brush" conformation. By selecting the proper struc ture of block copolymer, micelles composed of water-soluble polymer chains were prepared with a "near ideal" saturated surface.