Smart and genetically engineered biomaterials and drug delivery systems

The design, synthesis, and properties of novel stimuli-sensitive and genetically engineered biomaterials and drug delivery systems are reviewed. Two approaches to their engineering are presented. One approach is to improve the traditional methods of synthesis, as demonstrated by the example of controlled copolymerization of alpha-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides. The other approach, discussed in more detail, uses genetic engineering methods. The design of hybrid hydrogel systems whose components derive from at least two distinct classes of molecules, e.g., synthetic macromolecules and protein domains, is assessed. The design of self-assembling block copolymers is discussed in detail. Finally, the pharmaceutics related applications of these materials are presented. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.