Conducting polymers (CPs) are a unique type of polymer
that exhibit
metal-like features. Their ability to undergo reversible redox conversion,
in addition to their optical and electronic properties, have enhanced
the use of CPs in the development of advanced materials for technological
applications, mainly focused on the energy field. However, during
the last 15 years, increasing interest has been focused on biomedical
and pharmaceutical applications of CPs. The development of CPs-based
biocomposites for drug release takes advantage of the reversible redox
behavior of CPs, allowing an accurate control of therapeutic agents
and other bioactive molecule release profiles, triggered by an external
stimulus. This Review discusses the development of drug delivery systems
based on CPs. Encompassing intrinsic features, such as physicochemical
aspects, electrical ability, and conducting mechanism involved in
the release of therapeutic agents driven by electrochemical stimuli.
A detailed description of the electrochemical drug-loading, methods
of fabrication, and characterization of innovative CPs-based drug
delivery platforms is provided. A comparative analysis of polymerization
methods is presented to guide researchers in the method selection.
Finally, application of CPs on drug release, and cell response, is
discussed in terms of their intrinsic properties, which enhance their
pharmaceutical applications.