Thermosensitive and pH-Responsive Polymers for Smart Drug Delivery Systems

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 04 | Page : 479 491
    By

    Gandhi J. M.,

  • Haripriya H. Kulkarni,

  • S. P. Komble,

  • Shailly Gupta,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Krishna Institute of Pharmacy, Karad, Maharashtra, India
  2. Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Technology, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Arya College of Pharmacy, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Sensitive to temperature and pH, polymers are becoming a fascinating new class of material suitable for application in drug delivery systems. These polymers can be utilised in controlled release of medications as they change form depending on temperature and acidity. Thermosensitive polymers vary their formation and breakdown behaviour with temperature variations. They are therefore perfect for delivering pharmaceuticals to individuals as heat may be utilised to activate the medications at specified body temperature. Like in sections of the digesting system or development cells, polymers sensitive to pH alter depending on their pH environment that of acids or bases. This allows medications to be dispatched straight to certain locations. Using materials that can alter with temperature and pH, we can create drug delivery systems that function with changing bodily circumstances. These polymers can release medications exactly where they are required and hang on to others. Treatments are therefore more successful and adverse effects are reduced. Smart polymers may be moulded to fit many medical uses, including cancer treatment, precise medication delivery, and gradual over-time operation of pharmaceuticals. Studying these polymers aims to improve their structure and characteristics so that they may release medications in the correct manner. Targeting ligands such as antibodies or peptides into polymers facilitates their access and absorption by specific cells, therefore facilitating the therapy. Furthermore, being able to combine several responses to inputs in one system helps create systems of drug administration capable of managing a broad spectrum of medical requirements.

Keywords: Thermosensitive polymers, pH-responsive polymers, smart drug delivery, controlled release, targeted therapy, stimuli-responsive systems.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Gandhi J. M., Haripriya H. Kulkarni, S. P. Komble, Shailly Gupta. Thermosensitive and pH-Responsive Polymers for Smart Drug Delivery Systems. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):479-491.
How to cite this URL:
Gandhi J. M., Haripriya H. Kulkarni, S. P. Komble, Shailly Gupta. Thermosensitive and pH-Responsive Polymers for Smart Drug Delivery Systems. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):479-491. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=211684


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Special Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Special Issue 04
Received 20/03/2025
Accepted 19/05/2025
Published 01/06/2025
Publication Time 73 Days
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