Injectable Smart Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Due to numerous beneficial features, injectable smart NC hydrogels are attractive alternatives for many biomedical applications. Their soft hydrated three-dimensional (3D) porous structure and excellent biocompatibility account for the broad application of these biomaterials for the delivery of cells, signaling and bioactive molecules, and also pharmaceuticals. Moreover, injectable hydrogels provide minimally-invasive delivery to the patient’s body and their stimuli-responsiveness allows for on-demand and site-specific release of the active load with controllable kinetics. Nanomaterials as both structural and functional elements in the hydrogels endow them with enhanced properties and advanced functionalities, improving their efficacy for specific biomedical uses. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, drug delivery systems, cancer therapy and wound healing are the most frequently explored and reported applications of this class of biomaterials in the biomedical sector that have been specifically addressed in this chapter.