ABSTRACT
This chapter delves into the intricacies and applications of such smart polymers in meeting drug delivery and targeting challenges. The use of polymeric material for maneuvering drug release from various dosage forms has a long history. The skin is the most formidable barrier against drug delivery but still exhibits typical characteristics which may be exploited in the design of bioresponsive systems. Researchers have explored pH-sensitive hydrogels extensively in topical drug delivery applications. Hydroxyethyl cellulose-hyaluronic acid complex hydrogels have been investigated for the transdermal delivery of Isoliquiritigenin. Thermoresponsive polymers can be of great utility in designing hydrogel systems for topical drug delivery where even self-triggering by the patient can be done. The drug delivery from smart polymers could be augmented with the use of supportive technologies like iontophoresis and use of chemical permeation enhancers. The possibility of breaching the stratum corneum barrier with ease has opened plethora of opportunities for trancutaneous delivery of large molecules, hydrophilic moieties, vaccines, etc.
