Some polymers are reversibly crosslinked by noncovalent bonds that can break and reform depending on external conditions. This release is controlled by either chemical or physiological trigger. Linear and matrix smart polymers exist with variety of properties depending on reactive functional groups and side chains. Currently, the prevalent use for smart polymers in biomedicine is for specifically targeted drug delivery. Nanotechnology has been fundamental in the development of certain nanoparticle polymers such as dendrimers and fullerenes, that have been applied for drug delivery.

Since the advent of timedrelease pharmaceuticals, scientists have been faced with the problem of finding ways to deliver drugs to particular site in the body without having them first degrade in the highly acidic stomach environment. Nanotechnology has been fundamental in the development of certain nanoparticle polymers such as dendrimers and fullerenes, that have been applied for drug delivery. These groups might be responsive to pH, temperature, ionic strength, electric or magnetic fields, and light. Researchers have devised ways to use smart polymers to control the release of drugs until the delivery system has reached the desired target.

Currently, the prevalent use for smart polymers in biomedicine is for specifically targeted drug delivery. Prevention of adverse effects to healthy bone and tissue is also an important consideration. Traditional drug encapsulation has been done using lactic acid polymers. This release is controlled by either chemical or physiological trigger. Linear and matrix smart polymers exist with variety of properties depending on reactive functional groups and side chains. Some polymers are reversibly crosslinked by noncovalent bonds that can break and reform depending on external conditions.