Design and fabrication of hydrogel-based nanoparticulate systems for in vivo drug delivery

Hydrogels are swellable polymer networks which can imbibe a substantial amount of fluids. Compared to bulk hydrogels, hydrogel nanoparticles exhibit added values in drug delivery because they can be internalized into cells to deliver pharmaceutical agents into the cytosol. Their large surface area also allows for multivalent conjugations, making optimization of the nanoparticles towards in vivo and clinical applications possible. These features, together with the tunable properties and biocompatibility of hydrogels, account for the widespread use of hydrogel-based nanoparticulate systems in drug formulation. From an in vivo perspective, this article presents the latest advances in fabrication and engineering of hydrogel nanoparticles, and illuminates future avenues to enhance the potential of hydrogel-based nanoparticulate systems in treatment development and drug administration.