Stereocomplex block copolymer micelles:: Core-shell nanostructures with enhanced stability

Monodisperse stereocomplex block copolymer micelles were obtained through the self-assembly of equimolar mixtures of poly(ethylene glycol)block-poly(L-lactide) and poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(D-lactide) in water. These micelles possessed partially crystallized cores and mean hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 31 to 56 nm, depending on the lactide content. They exhibited kinetic stability and redispersion properties superior to micelles prepared with isotactic or racemic polymers alone. This study demonstrates the advantages of stereocomplex formation in the design of stabilized water-soluble nanoparticles.