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Updated: Aug 22, 2025

High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal
Published on: October 31, 2019
Opportunities and Challenges of Switchable Materials for Pharmaceutical Use
Deniz Ceylan Tuncaboylu1, Christian Wischke1
1Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Kantstr. 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany.
Abstract:
Switchable polymeric materials, which can respond to triggering signals through changes in their properties, have become a major research focus for parenteral controlled delivery systems. They may enable externally induced drug release or delivery that is adaptive to in vivo stimuli. Despite the promise of new functionalities using switchable materials, several of these concepts may need to face challenges associated with clinical use. Accordingly, this review provides an overview of various types of switchable polymers responsive to different types of stimuli and addresses opportunities and challenges that may arise from their application in biomedicine.
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