ABSTRACT
Furthermore, various applications and studies from different research groups are also assimilated in this chapter to understand the challenges and potentials of these smart polymers based drug delivery system. 20.2 Classification
The classification of stimuli that can be exploited for triggering the delivery of drugs, genes, or diagnostic agents from the carriers is diverse and manifold in nature. Although overlapping in many instances, the stimuli that trigger drug release from the carriers can be broadly classified as follows: • Internal stimuli-responsive polymers Temperature responsive pH responsive Enzyme responsive Redox responsive • External stimuli-responsive polymers Photo responsive Magneto responsive Ultrasound responsive 20.2.1 Internal Stimuli-Responsive PolymersInternal stimuli of chemical and biochemical origin include cellular temperature difference, pH-shift, enzyme over-expression in certain pathological states, and redox state of the specific tissues.
