Intelligent Nanocomposite Hydrogels

Abstract

Development of functional engineered materials possessing intelligence has been one of the most challenging tasks in research over the past decade. The term "intelligent material" refers to materials that possess three main functions, including sensing, processing, and actuating by exerting external stimuli. In recent years, intelligent nanocomposite hydrogels (INCHs), the newly born multifunctional materials of the 21 s ' century, have gained the serious attention of the scientific community. INCHs are soft and reinforced nanocomposite hydrogels that respond to various stimuli. They exhibit dramatic changes in their properties, e.g., swelling, network structure, or mechanical strength, in response to small variations in external stimuli such as temperature, pH, magnetic or electric fields, light, and presence of molecules. The main goal of this chapter is to review the basic science and technology of INCHs and the recent advances in this area. Additionally, the fundamental concepts of hydrogels, intelligent hydrogels, and nanocomposite hydrogels will be introduced.

Electro-stimulated release from a reduced graphene oxide composite hydrogel

“…[1][2][3] Due to their high water content and unique swelling properties, hydrogels are so, pliable materials with excellent biocompatibility. They possess many biological traits resembling natural living tissue both compositionally and mechanically 4 and their three-dimensional structure allows immobilisation of protein, peptide and DNA-based drugs. Hydrogels can be injected or implanted at the target site, creating localised drug delivery while their viscoelastic nature minimises damage to the host.…”

Impedimetric transduction of swelling in pH-responsive hydrogels

“…1,2 In sensing applications, hydrogels have predominantly been used as a support material for the immobilisation of biomolecules. These versatile materials have a high water content, unique swelling properties and often exhibit excellent biocompatibility.…”

“…They possess many biological traits resembling natural living tissue both compositionally and mechanically. 1,2 In sensing applications, hydrogels have predominantly been used as a support material for the immobilisation of biomolecules. Their 3D matrix enables an increased loading capacity versus 2D immobilisation, whilst providing stability and protection to the active part of the sensor.…”