Magnetically responsive polymeric gels and elastomeric system(s) for drug delivery

Magnetically responsive materials have garnered considerable attention for designing drug-delivery systems, owing to their potential for breakthrough applications. The composites obtained by merging magnetic and polymeric materials are reported to display unique magnetically responsive behavior. They have the ability to realize rapid and programmable transformation in shape via remote and untethered control by magnetic field applications. The design parameters can be fine-tuned in the magnetically responsive polymeric/elastomeric composites for magnetic actuation that permits both spatial and temporal control for drug release. The availability of a wide array of functional magnetic fillers, polymers/elastomers, and advanced fabrication methods open the possibilities for dextrous modulation of material properties for integrated functions, including programmable shape morphing and remote heat generation. The chapter focuses on the mechanism, challenges, components, fabrication techniques, properties, emerging advancements, applications, and future prospects of magnetically modulated and functionalized polymers and elastomers for drug-delivery applications.