Recent progress in multifaceted polymeric scaffolds as emerging drug carriers

• Polymeric scaffolds possesses unique properties suitable for drug delivery. • The porous and mechanical behavior helps in higher drug entrapment and controlled delivery. • Easy fabrication techniques have aided its application in the field of drug delivery. • Recent researches evidenced applications of polymeric scaffolds in successful delivery of therapeutic agents. The recent advancements in the polymeric scaffolds exhibited remarkable progress in tissue regeneration and biomedical applications. The emerging evidence indicates that these scaffolds not only facilitates tissue regeneration but also serves as efficient platforms for targeted therapeutic delivery. The advancements in bio-absorbable polymer technology in the fabrication of scaffolds, has inspired extensive exploration into scaffold-based drug delivery systems by pharmaceutical researchers. The development of multifunctional scaffolds as a drug delivery carrier have shown prominent biomedical applicability by offering synergistic benefits by supporting the tissue repairs and ensuring a controlled drug release profile. These systems establish a regenerative microenvironment by facilitating the dynamic interactions with the extracellular matrix, cellular components, and growth factors. The 3D nanocomposite scaffolds with the interconnected microporous structures,exhibits prominent potential for efficiently encapsulating and delivering both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. The integration and advancements in various 3D printing technologies have provided customized fabrication with enhanced precision and reproducibility. Owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and superior mechanical strength, and tissue specific drug targeting potential, polymeric scaffolds have emerged as a promising drug carrier for target specific and controlled drug delivery. The adaptability of scaffolds in various medical conditions has enabled their widespread use as the versatile drug carriers for multifaceted applications. The extremely porous structure of scaffolds helps in accommodating and controlled release of therapeutic molecules at the target site. This review highlights the recent progress in fabrication strategies and drug delivery applications of the polymeric scaffolds, alongside their clinical translation potential.