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Polymers

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...

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Updated: Jun 15, 2025

Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers

Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers

Published on: January 28, 2016

Stimuli-Responsive Polymers at the Interface with Biology.

Nathan R B Boase¹, Elizabeth R Gillies², Rubayn Goh³

¹Centre for Materials Science and School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.

Biomacromolecules

|August 28, 2024

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Stimuli-responsive polymers are advancing biological applications, offering controlled drug delivery and theranostics. This field shows promise for future medical innovations.

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Last Updated: Jun 15, 2025

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Area of Science:

Polymer Chemistry
Biomaterials Science
Nanotechnology

Background:

Stimuli-responsive polymers exhibit property changes triggered by external cues.
These smart polymers are crucial for advanced biological applications.
Their use spans drug delivery, imaging, actuation, and cell growth modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent developments in stimuli-responsive polymers for biological applications.
To highlight the role of polysaccharides and various polymer systems.
To discuss applications in drug delivery, theranostics, and hydrogels.

Main Methods:

Review of recent scientific literature and advancements.
Discussion of stimuli-responsive polysaccharides.
Exploration of polymeric systems for drug and nucleic acid delivery.
Analysis of switchable polymers in theranostics.
Presentation of hydrogel functionalities.

Main Results:

Significant progress in stimuli-responsive polymers for biological applications.
Emerging importance of stimuli-responsive polysaccharides.
Diverse applications in small molecule drug and nucleic acid delivery.
Development of switchable polymers for theranostic measurements.
Versatile functions of covalently and dynamically cross-linked hydrogels.

Conclusions:

Stimuli-responsive polymers are a rapidly advancing field with broad biological potential.
Future research directions include addressing current challenges and expanding applications.
These materials offer exciting prospects for future medical innovations.