Conductive polymers and composites-based systems: An incipient stride in drug delivery and therapeutics realm

• Published in: Journal of controlled release 2023-03, Vol.355, p.709-729
• Main Authors: Kiran Raj, G., Singh, Ekta, Hani, Umme, Ramesh, K.V.R.N.S., Talath, Sirajunisa, Garg, Ankitha, Savadatti, Komal, Bhatt, Tanvi, Madhuchandra, K., Osmani, Riyaz Ali M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biosensors; Composites; Conductive polymers; Controlled release polymers; Drug delivery; Drug Delivery Systems; Electrical stimuli; Neural interfacing; Polymers - chemistry; Stimuli Responsive Polymers; Tissue engineering; Tissue Engineering - methods
• ISSN: 0168-3659; 1873-4995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.02.017

Novel therapies and drug delivery systems (DDS) emphasis on localized, personalized, triggered, and regulated drug administration have heavily implicated electrically responsive DDS. An ideal DDS must deliver drugs to the target region at therapeutically effective concentrations to elicit a pharmacological response, resulting in better prophylaxis of the disease and the treatment. Biodegradable polymers are frequently employed for in-vivo long-term release; however, dose dumping can be anticipated. As a result, current DDSs can be tagged as dubbed "Smart Biomaterials" since they only focus on an on-demand cargo release in response to a trigger or stimulation. These organic materials have been recognized for their metal-like conductivity, as well as their mechanical stability and ease of production. These biomaterials can be programmed to respond to both internal and external stimuli. External pulsed triggers are required for extrinsic stimuli-responsive materials, whereas intrinsic stimuli-responsive materials rely on localized changes in the tissue environment. Furthermore, these materials have the ability to deliver active pharmaceutical agents at a varied concentration levels and across a broad spectrum of action. Drug delivery, biomedical implant technology, biosensor technology, and tissue engineering can be listed as a few prominent applications that have sparked immense interest for conductive polymers-based research and advancements in academia as well as in industry. This review comprehensively covers a cutting-edge collection of electrically conductive polymers and composites, and provide detailed insights of recent trends and advancements allied to conductive polymers for their potential applicability in an array of diverse meadows primarily focusing on drug delivery, biosensing and therapeutics. Furthermore, progressions in their synthesis, structural and functional properties have been presented in conjunction with futuristic directions for the smooth clinical translations. [Display omitted] •Origin, importance, types, and synthesis of conductive polymers and composites.•Structural and conductivity aspects consideration in designing novel drug delivery systems.•Nanotherapeutics utilizing conductive polymers for targeted drug delivery.•Applications in drug targeting, drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.•Conductive polymers-based composites as biosensors and for neural interfacing.