Table 1.

Examples and respective properties of hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers as well as amphiphilic block copolymers commonly used in the formulation of polymeric micelles.

	Polymers	Properties	References
Hydrophobic Polymers	poly(D,L-lactide)–PLA	PLA-based PMs are clinically-approved (Genexol®, Nanoxel®).	[11,12,13,14,15,17,18]
	poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)–PLGA	PLGA is used as a biodegradable surgical suture in the clinic (Vicryl®). Biodegradable.
	poly(β-benzyl-l-aspartate)	The presence of the benzyl group grants increased hydrophobicity. Biodegradable.
	poly(γ-benzyl-α, l-glutamate)	The presence of the benzyl group grants increased hydrophobicity. Ultra-high loading capacity for various poorly soluble drugs (ex. paclitaxel, etoposide) as well as a versatile library of polymer structures.
	poly(2-n-butyl-2-oxazoline)	The presence of the benzyl group grants increased hydrophobicity. Ultra-high loading capacity for several poorly soluble drugs, such as curcumin.
Hydrophilic Polymers	polyethylene glycol (PEG)	Has been used in clinically-approved nanoformulations including PMs (Genexol® PM).
	poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)–PMeOx	PMeOx is more hydrophilic than PEG.
	poly(sarocosine)	Evaluated as PEG replacement. Biodegradable.
	dextran	Has been used as a component in block and graft copolymers. Has highly variable molecular weight and dextran has been used as an excipient in clinically-approved injectable products (Feraheme®). Biodegradable.
Amphiphilic block copolymers	poly(propylene oxide)–PPO poly(ethylene oxide)–PEO PEOn-PPOm-PEOn	PEOn-PPOm-PEOn triblock copolymers are usually used in pharmaceutical formulations as non-active pharmaceutical ingredients. Pluronic®-based PMs entrapping Doxorubicin, SP1049C, had entered clinical trials and have been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA. Commercially available as poloxamers (Pluronic®). Biocompatible.