Hydrogels 2.0: improved properties with nanomaterial composites for biomedical applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Hydrogels are hydrated polymer networks with diverse applications.
• Incorporating nanomaterials into hydrogels offers a route to enhanced functionality.
• Nanocomposite hydrogels exhibit improved electrical, mechanical, and biological properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental aspects of nanocomposite hydrogels.
• To discuss recent developments in their synthesis, fabrication, and application.
• To highlight the use of nanomaterials for achieving multifunctionality.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on nanocomposite hydrogels.
• Analysis of synthesis and fabrication techniques.
• Evaluation of nanomaterial selection for specific properties.

Main Results:

• Nanocomposite hydrogels demonstrate significant improvements in material properties.
• Engineering approaches facilitate the fabrication of these advanced materials.
• Multifunctionality can be achieved through careful nanomaterial selection.

Conclusions:

• Nanocomposite hydrogels represent a promising class of biomaterials.
• They offer solutions to limitations in traditional material properties.
• Their applications are expanding within biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.