Interactions of amphiphilic block copolymers with lipid model membranes

Studies on interactions between amphiphilic block copolymers and lipid membranes have been focused traditionally on ABA triblock copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide), widely due to their commercial availability. However, new architectures of amphiphilic block copolymer have been synthesized in recent years partially taking advantage of new polymerization techniques. This review focuses on amphiphilic block copolymers with potential biological activity and on model membrane systems used for studying interactions with such block copolymers. Experimental methods to study block copolymer-phospholipid interactions in Langmuir monolayers, liposomes, and planar bilayers are summarized. This work is intended to convey a better understanding of amphiphilic block copolymers used for in vitro and in vivo experiments in medicine and pharmacy. Recent developments and open questions are addressed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.