Wonder of Physics

Volume 1 (2021) (Page xxx-xxx)

(TITLE) CONDUCTING POLYMER HYDROGELS FOR

ELECTRICALLY RESPONSIVE DRUG DELIVERY
(Author name) Amir, Abu, Ahmad

ARTICLE INFO
Keywords: (max 5 keywords)
implant [19], improving translatability of this
technology.

Polymeric scaffolds made of natural polymers

(chitosan, collagen, gelatin, alginate) and
synthetic polymers (poly(lactic acid) (PLA),
poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and
poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) have been widely
used for various drug delivery applications
owing to their biocompatibility, mechanical
properties and easy processability. Among a
vast variety of these polymeric scaffolds
described in the literature, only a few
materials are capable of pulsatile release of
loaded bioactives. The materials such as
carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanoparticles
and conducting polymers (CPs) have been
(Starts your text here). Increasing attention studied for electrically responsive drug
towards precision medicine and personalized delivery.
pharmacotherapy has prompted the
innovation of novel stimuli-responsive drug However, most electrically responsive drug
delivery systems. An external trigger (i.e. delivery systems reported to date are based
ultrasound, magnetic field, pH, light, on CPs. CPs are organic polymers possessing
temperature or electrical field signals the the electrical and optical properties generally
stimuli-responsive system to release its likened to metals. These materials have been
bioactive payload, achieving desired local reported to release a range of bioactive
concentrations required to produce molecules upon electrical stimulation, ranging
therapeutic effects. In addition, the ability to from anti-inflammatory to chemotherapeutic
define the location of the drug delivery agents. However, there are various challenges
platform (i.e. either on the surface or within encountered when applying CPs for
the human body) enables spatial control, electrically responsive drug delivery. These
whilst their stimuliresponsive nature include a limited drug loading capacity, the
facilitates temporal release. restriction to delivery of small, charged
biomolecules, deterioration of electrical and
Such characteristics can help attain the mechanical properties due to bioactive
specific, targeted dosing requirements dopants and fracture and delamination from
necessary to meet a variety of therapeutic the underlying substrate material due volume
needs such as for hormone-related conditions changes caused by actuation upon electrical
[16], pain management, delivery of stimulation
chemotherapy drugs in a precise manner and
delivery of anti-inflammatories from
implantable neural devices.

Among the various stimuli mentioned above,

electrical stimuli is particularly attractive
because, (i) accurate and precise signals can
be generated easily, remotely and repeatedly
without the need for large, complex
instruments, and (ii) electrical devices can be
miniaturised, and developed into a wireless

xx | ©Physics Division, Centre of Foundation Studies For Agricultural Science