%0 journal article
%@ 1742-5247
%A Wischke, C.,Behl, M.,Lendlein, A.

%D 2013
%J Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
%N 9
%P 1193-1205 
%R doi:10.1517/17425247.2013.797406
%T Drug-releasing shape-memory polymers – The role of morphology, processing effects, and matrix degradation
%U https://doi.org/10.1517/17425247.2013.797406
9 
%X Introduction: Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) have gained interest for temporary drug-release systems that should be anchored in the body by self-sufficient active movements of the polymeric matrix.,Areas covered: Based on the so far published scientific literature, this review highlights three aspects that require particular attention when combining SMPs with drug molecules: i) the defined polymer morphology as required for the shape-memory function, ii) the strong effects that processing conditions such as drug-loading methodologies can have on the drug-release pattern from SMPs, and iii) the independent control of drug release and degradation by their timely separation.,Expert opinion: The combination of SMPs with a drug-release functionality leads to multifunctional carriers that are an interesting technology for pharmaceutical sciences and can be further expanded by new materials such as thermoplastic SMPs or temperature-memory polymers. Experimental studies should include relevant molecules as (model) drugs and provide a thermomechanical characterization also in an aqueous environment, report on the potential effect of drug type and loading levels on the shape-memory functionality, and explore the potential correlation of polymer degradation and drug release.