Biopolymers have emerged as a crucial component in advanced drug
delivery systems due to their low toxicity, biodegradability, and inherent
biocompatibility. Their ability to respond to specific stimuli or enzymes offers
enhanced control over the release of therapeutic agents, making them highly valuable
in precision medicine. Stimuli-triggered systems utilize external or internal signals such
as pH, magnetic fields, temperature, redox potential, and light to precisely control drug
release at targeted sites. For example, pH-sensitive biopolymers can release drugs in
the acidic environment of tumors, while temperature-responsive systems adapt to local
heat variations in tissues. This method ensures efficient drug delivery while minimizing
side effects by targeting specific diseased areas. Enzyme-activated systems, on the
other hand, rely on the presence of specific enzymes in the body to trigger the
degradation of biopolymers and release the encapsulated drugs. These systems are
beneficial in diseases such as cancer or infections, where overexpressed enzymes can
be exploited for localized drug delivery. Biopolymers such as chitosan, dextran,
alginate, and hyaluronic acid have been widely used in these enzyme-responsive
systems, showing promising results in selective drug release. The precision and
adaptability of biopolymer-based systems provide numerous benefits, including
reduced systemic toxicity, controlled drug release, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
However, challenges such as ensuring the stability of biopolymers in physiological
conditions and scaling up production remain key obstacles. Ongoing research into
novel biopolymers and more specific response mechanisms continues to push the
boundaries of personalized medicine. Overall, biopolymer-based delivery systems
signify a cutting-edge approach to achieving precise and controlled therapeutic
interventions.
Keywords: Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Biopolymer, Cancer, Enzymeresponsive systems, pH-responsive, Stimuli-responsive systems, Targeted drug delivery system.
