'Smart' polymers in biotechnology and medicine

'Smart' water-soluble polymers and hydrogels are capable of responding reversibly to slight changes in the properties of the medium (pH, temperature, ionic strength, the presence of certain substances, illumination, electric field), the response of the system being readily seen with the naked eye (the formation of a new phase in a hitherto homogeneous solution, sudden swelling or contraction of the hydrogel). The properties of such polymers and hydrogels are examined. The use of 'smart' polymers and hydrogels for the concentration of protein solutions and the dehydration of suspensions, for the creation of membranes with a controllable permeability, for the isolation and purification of biomolecules, for the immobilisation of biocatalysts, and for the creation of sensor systems and systems for the controlled release of medicinal drugs is discussed. The bibliography includes 261 references.