Composites for Drug-Eluting Devices: Emerging Biomedical Applications

The utilization of drug-eluting devices has surged in the biomedical sector owing to their precise delivery of therapeutic agents to targeted areas within the body. Composites, a combination of two or more components with distinct properties, offer an innovative avenue for developing highly effective drug-eluting devices. This review aims to explore the potential of composites in drug delivery, focusing on selection criteria, integration of therapeutic agents, release mechanisms, toxicity evaluation, and advanced fabrication techniques. Composite materials, often pairing a biocompatible matrix with therapeutic agents, provide structural support and controlled release properties, while the therapeutic agents deliver targeted treatment. Selecting the right composite material is critical, considering factors like biocompatibility, degradability, mechanical properties, and drug compatibility. This will also emphasize advanced fabrication techniques, particularly additive manufacturing, which is pivotal in biomedical applications. The exploration of composite materials for drug delivery encompasses a comprehensive understanding of their characteristics, selection criteria, and potential across various biomedical domains. Surface engineering and characterization methods, including structural, chemical, and mechanical analysis, will be discussed in detail. Moreover, the study will explore advanced fabrication techniques like additive manufacturing, which is essential for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine applications. Challenges in composite-based drug delivery, such as biocompatibility, controlled release, and scalability, will be outlined alongside emerging trends. Ultimately, the paper aims to provide readers with a foundational understanding of composite material usage in drug delivery mechanisms and its potential in transformative biomedical applications, steering them toward a comprehensive comprehension of this dynamic realm.