Self-assembly strategy for the design of soft nanocontainers with controlled properties

Organized systems based on amphiphiles are discussed from the viewpoint of their application as solubilizing agents and drug and gene delivery systems with structure–activity relationships and stimuli responsibility emphasized. Special attention is paid to cationic surfactants, including gemini and naturally originated compounds. Practically important lipid formulations, i.e., liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles, are discussed in terms of their stability, loading capacity, surface modification and therapeutic efficacy. The stimuli responsibility of formulations is analyzed and exemplified by smart supramolecular systems based on a calixarene platform.