Polyion complex micelles with core-shell structure: their physicochemical properties and utilities as functional materials

Polyion complex (PIC) micelles were found to form from mixtures of a charged block copolymer with oppositely charged compounds including synthetic ionomers, surfactants, enzymes and DNA. This paper highlights unique physicochemical properties of PIC micelles, including their extremely narrow distribution and the strict chain length recognition. The features of PIC micelles made from a pair of oppositely charged block copolymers and enzyme were described focusing their utilities as functional materials including vehicles for enzyme delivery and sensoring devices for diagnosis.