فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Smart polymers, also known as stimuli-responsive materials, represent a frontier in materials science, distinguished by their ability to undergo significant, often reversible, changes in their physicochemical properties in response to small external triggers. Drawing inspiration from adaptive biological systems, these polymers are at the heart of innovations across numerous scientific and technological domains. This comprehensive review synthesizes recent advancements in the field, systematically classifying smart polymers based on their primary stimuli, including temperature, pH, light, and mechanical forces. For each class, we delve into the fundamental response mechanisms, from the molecular-level hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance and ionization dynamics to macroscopic phenomena like phase transitions and swelling/deswelling. Key synthesis methodologies, advanced characterization techniques, and the structure-property relationships that govern their behavior are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the review highlights the expanding applications of these intelligent materials in high-impact areas such as targeted drug delivery, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, biosensing, and soft robotics. Finally, we address the current challenges, including the need for enhanced biocompatibility, precise control over response kinetics, and multifunctionality, while outlining future research directions poised to unlock the full potential of smart polymers in creating the next generation of advanced materials.