"Smart" polymer enhances the efficacy of topical antimicrobial agents.

•The manuscript describes a topical smart delivery system that is film-forming and has controlled drug delivery properties.•The novel wound care formulations are smart. They are hydrophobic at room temperature but become hydrophobic at a predesignated lower temperature.•This property allows for facile application, long term retention and facile removal.•This novel delivery system also provides controlled release of drug for extended periods of time.