Stimuli-responsive polymeric materials for human health applications

Stimuli-responsive polymers have the extraordinary ability to change their physical and/or chemical state after they “detect” a change in their environment; their response depends dramatically on their chemical composition. This property has been used for a plethora of applications; this review highlights their utility for human health. Specifically, this review will highlight efforts in the areas of sensing and biosensing, antimicrobial/antifouling coatings, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and drug delivery. Specific examples are given in each of these areas, with some focus on our work engineering poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based microgels and other responsive systems.