Responsive Polymers at the Biology/Materials Science Interface

摘要

Synthetic polymers can be prepared with features that combine many of the advantageous properties of natural materials, including environmental response. This Research News article considers the different types of response that can be ‘programmed in’ to polymers and the applicationsthat are developing as a consequence of the designed esponses. In particular, we focus on two key applications at the biology/materials science interface: responsive drug delivery systems and ‘smart’ surfaces for cell culture and regenerative medicine.