title: Stimuli responsive polymers for biomedical applications.
abstract: Polymers that can respond to external stimuli are of great interest in medicine, especially as controlled drug release vehicles. In this critical review, we consider the types of stimulus response used in therapeutic applications and the main classes of responsive materials developed to date. Particular emphasis is placed on the wide-ranging possibilities for the biomedical use of these polymers, ranging from drug delivery systems and cell adhesion mediators to controllers of enzyme function and gene expression (134 references).
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St. Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, UKPO1 2DT.
authors.forename: Carolina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: de Las Heras Alarcon
authors.forename: Sivanand
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pennadam
authors.forename: Cameron
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alexander
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004798:Enzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D015870:Gene Expression; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008956:Models, Chemical; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004798:Enzymes; D011108:Polymers