Triblock Copolymers, ABC-type or ABA-type

Triblock copolymers, specifically of the ABC-type or ABA-type, have emerged as versatile and promising materials in the realm of drug delivery. Comprising three distinct blocks (A, B, and C), these copolymers offer a unique platform for tailoring the physicochemical properties of drug carriers, enabling precise control over drug release kinetics and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

In the ABC-type triblock copolymers, each block serves a specific purpose: A can be a hydrophilic segment providing solubility, B acts as a hydrophobic domain facilitating encapsulation of poorly water-soluble drugs, and C introduces a responsive element, such as pH or temperature sensitivity, influencing release behavior. On the other hand, ABA-type copolymers consist of two outer blocks (A) and a central block (B), creating a distinct amphiphilic structure. This arrangement allows for the formation of self-assembled micellar structures, where the hydrophilic outer blocks form the shell, providing colloidal stability, while the hydrophobic inner block forms the core for drug encapsulation.