Artificial Muscles, Biosensors and Drug Delivery Systems Based on Conducting Polymers: A Review

Polypyrrole (PPy) and polyaniline (PANI) are of the most promising materials for multifunctionalized applications. The application of conducting polymers for the direct conversion of electrical energy to mechanical energy in electro-mechanical ctuators is analyzed using theoretical and experimental results. Electrically conducting rganic polymers and a novel class of "synthetic metals" that combine the chemical and echanical properties of polymers with the electronic properties of metals and semiconductors. hese polymers become conductive upon partial oxidation or reduction, a rocess commonly referred to as doping. One of the unique aspects for conducting polymers s controlled-release devices, as well as biologically active ions and drugs such as denosine 5-triphosphate, heparin, dexamethasone phosphate, glutamate and sulphosalicylic cid as a model of sulphonic drugs. During the last decade, polymers have gained tremendous recognition in the field of artificial sensor in the goal of mimicking natural sense organs. Better selectivity and rapid measurements have been achieved by replacing classical sensor materials with polymers involving nano-technology and exploiting either the intrinsic functions of polymers. In this review, application of conducting polymers such as PPy and PANI in drug delivery systems, biosensors and preparation of artificialmuscle such as robots, artificial limbs are discussed.