Remotely triggerable drug delivery systems

Triggerable drug delivery systems enable on-demand controlled release profiles that may enhance therapeutic effectiveness and reduce systemic toxicity. Recently, a number of new materials have been developed that exhibit sensitivity to visible light, near-infrared (NIR) light, ultrasound, or magnetic fields. This responsiveness can be triggered remotely to provide flexible control of dose magnitude and timing. Here we review triggerable materials that range in scale from nano to macro, and are activated by a range of stimuli. The ability to provide reproducible, repeated, and safe drug delivery, where the magnitude and period of dosing can be adjusted, could present substantial advantages in the clinic. This review describes devices that could achieve on-demand drug release in response to remote stimuli.