Recent advances of multifunctional zwitterionic polymers for biomedical application

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Zwitterionic polymers are electrically neutral polymers with equal positive and negative charges.
• Their unique properties include superhydrophilicity, resistance to protein and bacterial adsorption, and high ionic conductivity.
• These characteristics make them highly suitable for diverse biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the structures and characteristics of zwitterionic polymers.
• To highlight their unique qualities and suitability for biomedical applications.
• To discuss limitations, challenges, and future perspectives for zwitterionic polymers in medicine.

Main Methods:

• In-depth analysis of zwitterionic polymer structures and properties.
• Review of existing literature on zwitterionic polymer applications.
• Discussion of design strategies for zwitterionic polymer-based nanosystems.

Main Results:

• Zwitterionic polymers demonstrate excellent anti-protein adsorption, leading to longer blood circulation times for drug carriers.
• They exhibit tumor-targeting ability and pH-responsiveness, ideal for targeted drug delivery.
• Their antibacterial properties and ionic conductivity are beneficial for biomedical devices, biosensors, and ionic skin.

Conclusions:

• Zwitterionic polymers possess multifunctional properties suitable for a wide range of biomedical applications.
• Further research is needed to overcome current challenges and fully realize their potential.
• These polymers show significant promise for targeted antitumor drug delivery, biosensing, and advanced medical materials.