Theranostic Applications of Functionalized Polymeric Micelles

Curiosity in theranostic agents has continuously been growing because of its unique ability of simultaneous detection and therapy. Polymeric micelles are used as diagnostic imaging, drug, biologics, and gene delivery carriers. These nanosized agents can be made from a variety of polymers. Polymeric micelles have some advantages over others, including the ability to load poorly soluble drugs, biocompatibility, longevity, the ability to accumulate in pathological areas with compromised vasculature, high stability, incorporation of imaging contrast agents, ability to change the release of the combined pharmaceutical ingredient, targeted delivery, and so on. In stimuli-responsive therapy, pH-thermo, ultrasound, enzyme, and light-sensitive block copolymers are used. Moreover, surface modification ability makes them suitable for targeting various diseases or targeting intracellular spaces. Additionally, the integration of imaging moiety makes them suitable for their use in in vivo biodistribution studies. Therefore, such “smart,” multifunctional polymeric micelles act as a key to improvising the efficacy of current treatments. Overall, polymeric micelle theranostic nanosystems are a more personalized and effective form of treatment. In the current chapter, we discussed the theranostic use of polymeric micelles in various diseases and theranostic applications of functionalized polymeric micelles.