Integration of polymers in the pore space of mesoporous nanocarriers for drug delivery

Abstract

In the past decade, controlled integration of polymers in pore space regions (framework walls, pore surface, pore interior) of mesoporous nanocarriers with large surface areas and pore volumes has attracted considerable attention in drug delivery. The system constitutes great advances in multivalent specific interactions which increase the host–guest affinity or avidity in the confined pore space. Herein, we present and discuss the recent advances in the covalent and noncovalent incorporation of polymers into mesopores for drug-oriented delivery systems. The present challenges and new approaches towards functional drug–polymer–inorganic mesostructured hybrids are reviewed for a deeper understanding of the synergy of functions.