Enzyme-Responsive Polymeric Materials with Anticancer and Antibacterial Activities

Enzymes are one of the protagonists present in living organisms, which execute numerous biochemical reactions with ultimate chemo/regioselectivity, specificity, and high turnover number under physiological conditions. Harnessing these advantages, enzyme-responsive materials endow excellent therapeutic efficiency to ameliorate several healthcare adversities. In parallel, polymeric materials have emerged as powerful therapeutic platforms due to their biocompatibility, tunable architectures, enhanced tissue penetration, and ability to form diverse self-assembled nanostructures. Over recent decades, extensive research has focused on developing enzyme-responsive polymers (ERPs) for various healthcare applications. This review article highlights recent (2014-present) advancements in the field of ERPs for anticancer and antibacterial therapies. Furthermore, several underexplored enzymes are showcased with promising potential for innovative ERP design for impactful future biomedical applications. Overall, this review aims to guide readers in predictably leveraging ERPs to address critical biomedical challenges.