A synthetic strategy towards modular polymer platform capable of further tunable degree of modification is presented. Initially, a well-defined amphiphilic block copolymer with alkyne side groups distributed along the biodegradable hydrophobic block was successfully prepared applying controlled ring-opening copolymerization of D,L-lactide and an acetylene-functional cyclic carbonate initiated by polyoxyethylene macroinitiator. In the second synthetic step a desired number of cinnamyl pendant groups was introduced into the hydrophobic block via “click” reaction. The functional block copolymers self-associated in aqueous media into stable micelles with narrow size distribution and average diameters of around 50 nm. The micelles' functional hydrophobic cores were loaded with caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) as bioactive compound with great potential for therapeutic application. It was demonstrated that the initial drug-release profiles, hence the stability of the loaded nanocarriers during circulation, can be modulated via the number of cinnamyl groups into the micelles core. Initial in-vitro evaluations were preformed on empty and drug-loaded functional polymer micelles indicating their potential for application in nanomedicine as safe and biocompatible drug-delivery nanovehicles with enhanced stability. • Amphiphilic block copolymers with cinnamyl pendant groups are synthesized. • Functional micelles with enhanced stability are formed. • Caffeic acid phenethyl ester is encapsulated into the functional micelles core. • The drug-release profile is modulated by the number of functional side-groups. • The micelles are safe, biocompatible and suitable for drug delivery application.