A Review on Smart Polymer in Stimuli Responsive Drug Delivery

A novel class of intelligent materials called as "smart polymers," or "stimuli-responsive polymers," are able to change their physicochemical characteristics in response to particular environmental stimuli like pH, temperature, light, magnetic field, or redox potential. By precisely controlling medication release, these dynamic reactions improve treatment efficacy and reduce systemic side effects. Smart polymers enable spatiotemporal modulation, releasing medications only when and where necessary, in contrast to traditional polymeric systems that release medications via passive diffusion or breakdown. These technologies have been widely used in tissue engineering, biosensing, controlled release formulations, and targeted medication administration. Through the creation of dual and multi-stimuli-responsive nanocarriers that can combine therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities, recent developments in nanotechnology have further increased their potential. In order to achieve individualised and precise drug delivery, this study focusses on the classification, processes, and present uses of stimuli-responsive polymers in contemporary pharmaceutics. Future directions for the clinical translation of these smart materials are also covered, along with issues with biocompatibility, scalability, and regulatory approval.