Multifunctional Hydrogel Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Hydrogels are used for various biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, capacity to mimic the extracellular matrix, and ability to encapsulate and deliver cells and therapeutics. However, traditional hydrogels have a few shortcomings, especially regarding their physical properties, thereby limiting their broad applicability. Recently, researchers have investigated the incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) into hydrogels to improve and add to the physical and biochemical properties of hydrogels. This brief review focuses on papers that describe the use of nanoparticles to improve more than one property of hydrogels. Such multifunctional hydrogel nanocomposites have enhanced potential for various applications including tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, bioprinting, and biowearable devices.

Polypeptide Composition and Topology Affect Hydrogelation of Star-Shaped Poly(L-lysine)-Based Amphiphilic Copolypeptides

“…Hydrogels based on natural or synthetic polymers can be yielded via forming non-covalent physical interactions or chemically covalent bonds [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Due to the ability to mimic animal tissues, their applications in biomedical fields have been rapidly increasing for several decades [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. This has led to a risen request for well-defined hydrogelators with adaptable properties for biomedical applications such as advanced wound healing, drug carriers, tissue engineering scaffolds, and investigating biomechanical functions [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

Prospects of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Biomarker Monitoring toward Precision Medicine

“… 127 On the other hand, the routine approach of immobilizing nanoparticles on solid supports (mainly glass, silicon, or quartz, but even paper) is still sustaining innovation, with novel strategies based on sophisticated functionalization, to strongly retain the nanoparticles. 128 − 137 Recent approaches have succeeded in tailoring polymer nanocomposites to function as SERS substrates displaying highly tunable features. Plasmonic nanocomposites are formed by embedding plasmonic nanoparticles in polymeric materials, which further assist in preserving the intrinsic properties of the NPs in complex environments ( Figure 3 d).…”

“…Plasmonic nanocomposites are formed by embedding plasmonic nanoparticles in polymeric materials, which further assist in preserving the intrinsic properties of the NPs in complex environments ( Figure 3 d). 137 − 139 The polymer would act by enhancing the robustness of the whole sensor over time while preventing aggregation of the embedded nanoparticles. 140 Such polymer composites must feature a sufficient porosity to allow the diffusion of target biomolecules toward the embedded plasmonic nanoparticles.…”

MoS2@PDA@Ag/PVA Hybrid Hydrogel with Excellent Light‐Responsive Antibacterial Activity and Enhanced Mechanical Properties for Wound Dressing

“…[8] The introduction of nanomaterials into 3D porous hydrogels is beneficial for the improvement of mechanical properties. [9,10] Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) has garnered significant interest in conjunction with irradiation of light with a wavelength in the near-infrared (NIR) region due to the large specific surface area, high photothermal conversion ability, favorable antibacterial properties, and biocompatibility. [11,12] MoS 2 -based hydrogels have been reported to exhibit good mechanical properties.…”