Mechanical Force-Triggered Drug Delivery

Abstract

Advanced drug delivery systems (DDS) enhance treatment efficacy of different therapeutics in a dosage, spatial, and/or temporal controlled manner. To date, numerous chemical- or physical-based stimuli-responsive formulations or devices for controlled drug release have been developed. Among them, the emerging mechanical force-based stimulus offers a convenient and robust controlled drug release platform and has attracted increasing attention. The relevant DDS can be activated to promote drug release by different types of mechanical stimuli, including compressive force, tensile force, and shear force as well as indirect formats, remotely triggered by ultrasound and magnetic field. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in mechanically activated DDS. The opportunities and challenges regarding clinical translations are also discussed.