Natural products possessing biological activity have been among the most intensively studied substances for the design and discovery of new drug formulations. However, the biggest issue with the use of natural products in disease treatment is their low solubility and bioavailability. Polymeric micelles, defined as core-shell nanoparticles formed via self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers, have gained considerable interest in recent years for their ability to solubilize a number of water-insoluble bioactive substances and, thus, to improve their activity. The goal of this project is to carry out a world-class research on the ability of various newly designed copolymer micelles to solubilise the biologically active natural compound caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and to increase its biological activity in physiological media. Within the project new fundamental knowledge will be accumulated regarding the key factors determining the efficiency of loading and release of CAPE in/from core-shell nanocarriers as well as the toxicological profile of the obtained systems. The original contribution of the planned research consists of developing novel polymeric nanocarriers of CAPE with increased compatibility between the solubilizate and the polymers forming the micellar core. The synthesis of biodegradable core forming polymer bearing moieties identical with CAPE molecule is expected to increase the drug loading capacity of the carrier. The implementation of this project will contribute to the acquirement and exchange of knowledge and expertise in different disciplines including polymer science, organic chemistry, natural products, pharmacy and nanomedicine, and will strengthen the efforts of academia towards providing solution of important for the society problems. The planned activities will contribute to the development and widening of individual skills and experience of the scientists involved as well as for increasing the overall research potential of the research institutions.