Abstract

A BRIEF REVIEW ON ENVIRONMENTALLY AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL STIMULI-RESPONSIVE POLYMERS AND GELS USED IN PHARMACEUTICALS

Abstract

Polymers that can change their properties or structures in response to environmental stimuli such as pH, temperature, etc. are called stimuliresponsive polymers. Similarly, some gels have a unique ability to undergo abrupt changes in their volume in response to environmental changes. The objective of this review is to (a)provides a short overview of important research on the synthesis and applications of stimuli-responsive polymers and gels and (b) focused on stimuliresponsive polymers and gels that undergo conformational changes or volume phase transition in response to a variety of environmental stimuli. The fascinating properties of the stimuli-responsive polymers and gels can provide the tools for creating intelligent biomaterials with a wide variety of uses. Fundamental research on their stimuli responsiveness has contributed significantly to our understanding of the biological functions of biomolecules. Even though most stimuliresponsive polymers and gels require further research into possible applications, they are likely to become important biomaterials in the near future. Advances in supramolecular chemistry that allow us to use noncovalent bonds to fabricate well defined and well organized materials. This review provides a short overview of important research on the synthesis and applications of stimuli-responsive polymers and gels.

Keywords: Stimuli-responsive polymers, gels, supramolecular chemistry.