Electro-Active Polymers for On-Demand Drug Release.

Abstract

Conductive materials have played a significant role in advancing society into the digital era. Such materials are able to harness the power of electricity and are used to control many aspects of our daily lives. Conductive polymers (CPs) are an emerging group of polymers that possess metal-like conductivity yet retain desirable polymeric features, such as processability, mechanical properties and biodegradability. Upon receiving an electrical stimulus, CPs can be tailored to achieve a number of responses, such as harvesting energy, biosensing and stimulating tissue growth. The recent FDA approval of a CP-based material for a medical device has invigorated their research in healthcare, including as biosensors, tissue engineering grafts and implants. In drug delivery, CPs can act as electrical switches, drug release is achieved at a flick of a switch, thereby providing unprecedented control over drug release. In this review, recent developments in CP as electro-active polymers for voltage-stimuli responsive drug delivery systems are evaluated. The review demonstrates the distinct drug release profiles achieved by electro-active formulations, and both the precision and ease of stimuli response. This level of dynamism promises to yield "smart medicines" and warrants further research. The review concludes by providing an outlook to electro-active formulations in drug delivery and highlighting their integral roles in healthcare IoT. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.