Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON STIMULI-RESPONSIVE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Divyani Singh*

Abstract

Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems (SRDDS) are an emerging class of smart drug delivery technologies that enable precise spatial and temporal control over therapeutic release. By utilizing internal biological signals such as pH, redox potential, or enzymes, and external physical triggers like light, temperature, or magnetic fields, SRDDS aim to release drugs at the right place and time. This approach significantly enhances therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and side effects. Recent advances have led to the development of multifunctional nanocarriers and hydrogels that respond to multiple stimuli, offering greater precision in treating complex diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders. In addition to improved patient outcomes, SRDDS also support the advancement of personalized medicine by tailoring treatments to individual physiological conditions. Despite challenges such as regulatory concerns and scalability, the future of SRDDS holds great promise in revolutionizing how drugs are delivered and how diseases are treated with targeted precision and accuracy. The integration of diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities within these systems also opens new avenues for theranostics and personalized medicine.

Keywords: Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems (SRDDS), Theranostics, nanocarriers, controlled release, internal stimuli, nanomedicine.