Atul Pratap Singh, Shamim ., Dhananjay Taumar, Himanchal Sharma, Anshu Gujjar, Vatan Chaudhary, Iram Rajpoot
Smart polymer-based drug and gene delivery systems are revolutionizing contemporary therapeutics with their increased specificity, efficacy, and safety. Compared to traditional carriers, smart polymers exhibit stimuli-responsive behavior, enabling controlled and site-specific drug release in response to physiological cues, such as pH, temperature, or enzyme activity. Such dynamic materials allow accurate drug delivery and minimize systemic toxicity, along with providing improved bioavailability. This review delves into some of the latest developments in stimuliresponsive polymers, nanoplatforms with multiple functions, and hybrid polymer systems, highlighting their potential in controlled drug delivery and theragnostics. Challenges, including biocompatibility, stability, and overcoming biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, are also covered. By combining smart polymers with nanotechnology and targeted personalized medicine strategies, the discipline is set to redefine targeted therapy and maximize therapeutic outcomes.