Smart-Polymer-Based Systems for Drug Delivery

Dear Colleagues,

Drug delivery is one of the most important and challenging applications of natural and synthetic polymers. The crucial aspect of the design of a successful drug delivery system is to deliver the drug into a precise area at the exact time with the right concentration. Different types of natural (carrageenan, chitosan, dextran, hyaluronic acid, and alginates) as well as synthetic (poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP), polyesters, polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(meth)acrylates, etc.) polymer-based systems are constantly under investigation for controlled release and targeting of drugs. These systems are designed based on their different architectures on molecular (linear, graft, branched (co)polymers, and dendrimers) and macromolecular (micelles, nanoparticles, gels, films, etc.) levels. Additionally, smart polymers (pH, ROS, temperature responsive, etc.) provide the possibility to release the drugs in the specific targets. 

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect high-quality reviews and original research papers dedicated to the design and application of polymer-based drug-delivery systems. Articles on but not limited to all aspects of polymer drug delivery systems listed below in the list of keywords are welcome.

Dr. Rafal Konefal
Guest Editor

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