Table 1 Summarize on stimuli responsive polymers grouped by stimulus–response, and contain information about the synthesis method and application

Physically dependent stimuli

 Temperature-responsive polymers

PNiPAAm [15, 16]

Living radical polymerization

Water soluble polymer sensor, Tissue adhesion prevention material

PNVC [17]

Living radical polymerization

Thermosensitive hydrogel at any temperature

PLLA/PEG/PLLA [18]

Ring open polymerization

Potential anti-cancer drug carrier

PEO–PPO–PEO [19]

Crosslinking the ethoxysilane-cap

Drug carrier

 Electro-responsive polymers

PT [23]

Electrochemical Synthesis

Drug release and cancer chemotherapy

PSS [22]

Emulsion polymerization

Drug carrier

 Photo-responsive polymers

Azobenzene or spiropyran-containing

PAA [33, 34]

Copolymerization

Photocchromic polymer

PHPMAm [35, 36]

Sensor

PNIPAM [37, 38]

Photodegradation material

Chemically dependent stimuli

 pH-responsive polymers

chitosan [46]

Biosynthesis

Drug release

Albumin [47]

Enzyme immobilization

Gelatin [48]

Immunoassay

PAAc/chitosan IPN [49]

UV irradiation

Wound dressing material and drug release

P(MAA-g-EG) [50, 51]

Free-radical, solution photopolymerization

Controlled insulin delivery

PEI [52]

Solution polymerization

pH-sensitive controlled release systems

PDAAEMA

PL [53, 54]

Biosynthesis

Vectors for gene delivery

Ion-responsive polymers

 Redox-responsive polymers

Polyanhydrides [60, 61]

Melt condensation polymerization

Potential oral drug delivery systems

PLGA [62]

Double emulsion solvent evaporation

Controlled delivery systems

PbAEs [63]

Addition solution polymerization

Efficient carrier for cytotoxic agents

Poly(NiPAAm-co-Ru(bpy)3) [67]

Living radical copolymerization

Artificial muscles, artificial reptile

Biologically dependent stimuli

 Glucose-responsive polymers

GOx conjugated chitosan [6, 68]

Carbodiimide chemistry

Self-regulated insulin delivery

 Enzyme-responsive polymers

DEXS/chitosan [72]

Layer-by-layer assembly

Local and sustained drug release

Azoaromatic crosslinked hydrogel [73]

Copolymerization

Specific delivery of peptides and proteins

 Inflammation-responsive polymers

Glycidylether crosslinked HA [75]

Suspension solution reaction

Implantable drug delivery

Dual-stimuli

PLL block PEG–PLL [76]

Side chain reaction and crosslinking

Enhance gene expression