Temperature-Responsive Polymers for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Temperature-responsive polymers play important roles in biomedical and biotechnological development as materials for applications in tissue engineering. The change of temperature induces the formation of polymeric networks which can serve as tissue scaffolds to which cultured cells can adhere. In addition, the polymeric networks and micelles can be used as drug carriers which deliver required drugs to specific target organs. By using drug carriers, the release rate of drugs can be optimally controlled, allowing effective drug activities. This article reviews essential theoretical background, related researches and interesting applications of temperature-responsive polymers reported to date.