Preparation of shell cross-linked micelles by polyelectrolyte complexation.

Covalent stabilization of micelles and vesicles has attracted increasing attention in recent years. In particular, shell cross-linked (SCL) micelles are potentially useful nanosized vehicles for the delivery of various actives (e.g., drugs, fragrances, pesticides). The first example of SCL micelles was described by Wooley and co-workers, who oligomerized pendent styrene groups by using radical chemistry. Our group has reported the use of 1,2-bis(2-iodoethoxy)ethane (BIEE) as a bifunctional cross-linker for the covalent stabilization of SCL micelles. However, in view of its cost, toxicity, limited water solubility, and likely mutagenicity, BIEE is unlikely to be employed in commercial applications of SCL micelles, particularly in the biomedical field. The