Advances in recognitive, conductive and responsive delivery systems

Recent developments in drug delivery have been directed towards the development of self sustained systems that would be able to recognize various biomarkers and respond to their high concentrations, leading to therapeutic action. While such systems are diagnostic in nature, their use as therapeutic delivery systems is being expanded most through work done in academic institutions and small biotech companies. Here, we examine the basis of such recognitive delivery systems and we identify their main mechanisms and transducing action, especially in terms of conductive studies. Selected experimental results are given to indicate the importance and success of these methods. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.