Biodegradable Implants and In-Situ Forming Systems: Advances in Sustained and Localized Drug Delivery

Biodegradable implants and in-situ gels are transforming drug delivery by enabling precise, localized, and sustained release of medications while naturally breaking down into harmless byproducts in the body. Unlike traditional treatments requiring frequent dosing or invasive removal surgeries, these systems improve patient comfort and adherence by reducing side effects and minimizing procedural risks. Biodegradable implants are compact devices, often inserted through minimally invasive methods, designed to deliver drugs or support tissue healing over extended periods. In-situ gels start as liquids and rapidly transition to gels in response to body temperature, pH, or other triggers, ensuring that drugs remain at the target site longer for improved effectiveness. Recent advancements in smart polymers, biosensing technology, and innovative manufacturing methods such as 3D and 4D printing are enabling highly personalized and adaptive therapies tailored to individual patients. The incorporation of nanotechnology further enhances these platforms by improving drug targeting, tissue integration, and controlled responsiveness to physiological signals. These technologies have made significant clinical strides across oncology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics’, cardiovascular medicine, and nerve repair. However, challenges remain in fine-tuning degradation rates, ensuring mechanical stability, achieving consistent formulation performance, and meeting stringent regulatory requirements. Addressing these issues through interdisciplinary collaboration and rigorous evaluation is crucial for their widespread clinical adoption. Looking ahead, biodegradable implants and in-situ gels are poised to revolutionize personalized medicine by seamlessly combining structural support with smart, site-specific drug delivery. Together, they offer the potential for less invasive, more effective, and patient-centred treatments, improving outcomes and quality of life across diverse medical fields worldwide.