pH-Responsive Hydrogels: Recent Advances in Pharmaceutical Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Hydrogels are versatile 3D polymeric networks with high loading capacity and controlled release.
• Their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable properties make them suitable for biomedical applications.
• Stimuli-responsive hydrogels, particularly pH-responsive ones, offer triggered drug release capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature on pH-responsive hydrogels for drug delivery and other biomedical applications.
• To highlight the role of various polymers and their combinations in hydrogel formulation.
• To elucidate structure formation, release mechanisms, and therapeutic effects of these hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on pH-responsive hydrogels.
• Analysis of different polymeric derivatives and their functionalization.
• Examination of crosslinking methods and content release mechanisms.
• Evaluation of therapeutic outcomes in various pathological conditions.

Main Results:

• pH-responsive hydrogels demonstrate significant potential in drug delivery, wound healing, and implantation.
• Diverse polymeric materials and crosslinking strategies enable tailored hydrogel properties.
• Controlled release is achieved through pH-induced conformational changes, optimizing therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions:

• pH-responsive hydrogels are promising candidates for pharmaceutical applications due to their tunable and stimuli-responsive nature.
• Further research into polymer selection and structural design can enhance their therapeutic potential.
• These smart biomaterials offer innovative solutions for targeted drug delivery and regenerative medicine.