Manipulation of Thermoresponsive Polymers Using Biomolecules

Abstract

Thermoresponsive polymers (TRPs) have attracted considerable interest in the scientific community because of their potential applications in sensors, gels, drug delivery devices, biotechnology, and pharmacology. Certain biomolecules alter the phase transition behavior of TRPs by acting as external biological stimuli. Herein, we describe recently reported results and trends for TRP/biomolecule mixed systems in which biological stimuli modulate temperature-dependent polymer transitions and reviewed studies related to protein–polymer assembly formation, interactions, and temperature-dependent protein adsorption. Modifying polymer properties in response to biomolecules, which are inherently present in the human body, designs polymeric biomaterials with envisaged applications. We hope this review sheds light on scientific problems concerning biomolecule–polymer mixed systems and helps in designing next-generation “smart” polymers.