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Smart Polymeric Biomaterials for Clinical Use
Natalie M Petryk1, Nghia L B Thai1, Anita Shukla2
1Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA.
Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering
|February 25, 2026
Summary
Stimuli-responsive "smart" biomaterials are revolutionizing medicine by dynamically adapting their structure for enhanced healing. This review covers clinically available and emerging smart materials for diverse biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Biomaterials are evolving from static to dynamic scaffolds that actively promote healing.
- Stimuli-responsive (
- smart
- ) biomaterials offer dynamic architectural changes in response to environmental cues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinically available smart biomaterials.
- To highlight smart biomaterial technologies in clinical trials.
- To discuss novel smart materials under development for future clinical use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of smart polymeric biomaterials.
- Focus on materials designed for in- or on-body applications.
- Analysis of materials responding to endogenous and exogenous signals.
Main Results:
- Smart polymeric biomaterials include shape memory polymers, stimuli-responsive hydrogels, and liquid crystal elastomers.
- These materials are utilized in embolic devices, orthopedics, drug delivery, and neural scaffolds.
- The review categorizes materials by clinical availability: current devices, clinical trials, and future development.
Conclusions:
- Smart biomaterials represent a significant advancement in regenerative medicine.
- Their ability to respond to various stimuli enables sophisticated biomedical applications.
- Continued development promises expanded clinical use in diverse medical fields.
