Poly(2-oxazoline)s: a versatile polymers shaping the future of biomedical innovations

Poly(2-oxazoline)s (POx) are becoming increasingly valuable for various uses, especially in the biomedical industry. POx are innovative biomaterials with similar properties to poly(ethylene glycol). These water-soluble or amphiphilic polymers are non-toxic and attractive for biomedical applications. According to various papers and patents, they are safe for intravenous use in rats and are favorable biopolymers. Catalytic ring-opening polymerisation (CROP) produces POx polymers, which are ideal for drug delivery, gene therapy, tissue engineering, and antimicrobial surfaces due to their biocompatibility, stealth behaviour, stability, and solubility. They also provide precise molecular structure and functionalisation options. Living cationic ring-opening polymerization of 2-oxazolines is used to create POx. The range of easily accessible or produced 2-oxazoline monomers makes it possible to introduce various functions, adjust polymer characteristics, and access various polymer topologies. Well-defined polymers with a limited molar mass distribution and great end-group integrity are made feasible by CROP’s living nature. They can be refined at the CROP stage through suitable comonomer selection and ratio, microstructure and chain topology, or the introduction of functional end groups via a suitable initiator or terminating molecule. POx is being researched as a possible platform for designing biomaterials, especially polymer treatments. Research on POx-based polymer therapeutics has revived as a hot topic. As it develops, POx is expected to play a key role in next-generation biomaterials that accurately and effectively address critical healthcare demands. This review aims to overview POx types, synthesis methods, functionalization methods, applications in drug delivery and patents.