Polymer–drug and polymer–protein conjugated nanocarriers: Design, drug delivery, imaging, therapy, and clinical applications

Polymer–drug conjugates and polymer–protein conjugates have been pivotal in the realm of drug delivery systems for over half a century. These polymeric drugs are characterized by the conjugation of therapeutic molecules or functional moieties to polymers, enabling a range of benefits including extended circulation times, targeted delivery, controlled release, and decreased immunogenicity. This review delves into recent advancements and challenges in the clinical translations and preclinical studies of polymer–drug conjugates and polymer–protein conjugates. The design principles and functionalization strategies crucial for the development of these polymeric drugs were explored followed by the review of structural properties and characteristics of various polymer carriers. This review also identifies significant obstacles in the clinical translation of polymer–drug conjugates and provides insights into the directions for their future development. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Polymer‐drug conjugates are nanocarriers capable of targeted delivery, controlled release, and enhanced drug stability. This review highlights recent advancements in polymer‐drug conjugates and outlines design principles for developing smart conjugates with clinical translation potential.