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Updated: Aug 28, 2026

Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
A Comprehensive Review on Engineering Release at the Molecular Level: Role of Functional Groups in
Daniel Nicolae Crisan1, Teodor Adrian Enache1
1National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Str., 077125 Magurele, Romania.
Abstract:
Stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems (SRDDS) have transformed precision medicine by enabling spatiotemporal control over therapeutic release, significantly reducing off-target toxicity while enhancing efficacy at the disease site. Naturally occurring polysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid, chitosan, alginate, and dextran stand out as premier scaffolds for these "smart" nanoplatforms due to their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and abundance of reactive sites for molecular engineering. This review explores the versatility of polysaccharide functionalization, detailing how the introduction of molecular "switches" allows these biopolymers to sense and respond to specific physiological triggers. We analyze the mechanisms behind acid-labile bonds for pH-triggered release, redox-sensitive bridges for intracellular delivery, and enzyme-cleavable sequences for bio-catalytic activation. By bridging the gap between molecular functionalization and clinical utility, these bio-responsive polysaccharide architectures enable integrated physiological monitoring and theranostic applications. This review highlights the impact of these advancements in overcoming biological barriers, providing a sophisticated blueprint for the next generation of nature-derived, "intelligent" biomaterials in cancer therapy.
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