Micelles as potential drug delivery systems for colorectal cancer treatment

Figure 1 Schematic illustration of the passive targeting of drug formulated micelles to the tumor tissue by enhanced permeability and retention effect and the proposed mechanisms of drug release in the cancer cell. A: The drug can enter the cancer cell in its free form after its release from the micelle; B: The drug can be internalized within the micelle after which it is released in the cancer cell.

Figure 2 Polymeric micelles for dual drug delivery. A: Both drugs are physically loaded in the core of the micelle; B: One hydrophobic drug is conjugated to the amphiphilic copolymer forming the micelle and the second is encapsulated in its core.