Polymeric and biopolymeric materials and nanostructures have been
extensively used in drug delivery, and especially in the development of localized
controlled drug delivery systems (LCDDS). Stimuli-sensitive biopolymeric materials
are achieving remarkable consideration as smart multipurpose systems that exhibit
superb potential in several applications. LCDDS allow high delivery levels at the target
area, low cytotoxicity, excellent biocompatibility and prolonged drug exposure that can
be helpful for targeted cellular therapeutic molecules. This chapter focuses on synthetic
and natural degradable biopolymeric materials for LCDDS, focusing on their
advantages, challenges, and clinical applicability. Recent progress in typical and
stimuli-sensitive biopolymeric materials has also been reviewed. The features of
biodegradable polymers and biopolymers for various purposes are discussed, and the
advantages of these materials and biomaterials are highlighted. Moreover, different
emerging functions of these polymers in a drug delivery system are discussed.
Keywords: Biocompatibility, Biodegradable, Biopolymer, Localized controlled drug delivery, Polymer, Stimuli-sensitive.
