Self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers display a multiplicity of nanoscale periodic patterns proposed as a dominant tool for the ‘bottom-up’ fabrication of nanomaterials with different levels of ordering. The present review article focuses on the recent updates to the self-association of amphiphilic block copolymers in aqueous media into varied core-shell morphologies. We briefly describe the block copolymers, their types, microdomain formation in bulk and micellization in selective solvents. We also discuss the characteristic features of block copolymers nanoaggregates viz., polymer micelles (PMs) and polymersomes. Amphiphilic block copolymers (with a variety of hydrophobic blocks and hydrophilic blocks; often polyethylene oxide) self-assemble in water to micelles/niosomes similar to conventional nonionic surfactants with high drug loading capacity. Double hydrophilic block copolymers (DHBCs) made of neutral block-neutral block or neutral block-charged block can transform one block to become hydrophobic under the influence of a stimulus (physical/chemical/biological), and thus induced amphiphilicity and display self-assembly are discussed. Different kinds of polymer micelles (viz. shell and core-cross-linked, core-shell-corona, schizophrenic, crew cut, Janus) are presented in detail. Updates on polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) and crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) are also provided. Polyion complexes (PICs) and polyion complex micelles (PICMs) are discussed. Applications of these block copolymeric micelles and polymersomes as nanocarriers in drug delivery systems are described.

The application of CAD-CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology has become increasingly prevalent in dentistry in recent years. Dental restorations are designed and created using CAD-CAM by enhancing the precision and efficiency. Customization of dental prostheses such as crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays and bridges is possible with CAD-CAM.

Heart problems are quite prevalent worldwide. Cardiomyocytes and stem cells are two examples of the cells and supporting matrix that are used in the integrated process of cardiac tissue regeneration. The objective is to create innovative materials that can effectively replace or repair damaged cardiac muscle. One of the most effective and appealing 3D/4D scaffolds for creating an appropriate milieu for damaged tissue growth and healing is hydrogel. In order to successfully regenerate heart tissue, bioactive and biocompatible hydrogels are required to preserve cells in the infarcted region and to bid support for the restoration of myocardial wall stress, cell survival and function. Heart tissue engineering uses a variety of hydrogels, such as natural or synthetic polymeric hydrogels. This article provides a quick overview of the various hydrogel types employed in cardiac tissue engineering. Their benefits and drawbacks are discussed. Hydrogel-based techniques for heart regeneration are also addressed, along with their clinical application and future in cardiac tissue engineering.

This review article emphasizes the current enlargements in the formation and properties of the various nanostructured aggregates resulting from the self-assembly of a variety of block copolymers (BCPs) in an aqueous solution. The development of the different polymerization techniques which produce polymers with a desired predetermined molecular weight and low polydispersity is investigated with regard to their technological and biomedical applications; in particular, their applications as vehicles for drug delivery systems are considered. The solution behavior of amphiphilic BCPs and double-hydrophilic block copolymers (DHBCs), with one or both blocks being responsive to any stimulus, is discussed. Polyion complex micelles (PICMs)/polymersomes obtained from the electrostatic interaction of a polyelectrolyte-neutral BCP with oppositely charged species are also detailed. Lastly, polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA), which forms nanoscale micellar aggregates with controlled size/shape/surface functionality, and the crystallization-driven self-assembly of semicrystalline BCPs facilitated when one block of the BCP is crystallizable, are also revealed. The scalability of the copolymeric micelles in the drug delivery systems and pharmaceutical formations that are currently being used in clinical trials, research, or preclinical testing is emphasized as these micelles could be used in the future to create novel nanomedicines. The updated literature and the future perspectives of BCP self-assembly are considered.