ABSTRACT
Hydrogels are 3D-interconnected network of water-insoluble polymer chains that can hold a lot of water. However, poor mechanical strength and lack of biocompatibility of conventional polymeric hydrogels limit its use for intended biomedical applications. In order to improve the functional and mechanical properties of the 3D scaffold, different nanostructures of carbon, metal nanoparticles, polymer, and inorganic nanoparticles have been incorporated into the traditional hydrogel matrix. Amalgamation of such nanostructures within the 3D porous structure of hydrogels via physical or chemical interactions can result in a unique combination of an organic-inorganic network with extraordinary physico-chemical properties and tailored functionality. During the synthesis of nanocomposite hydrogels, inclusion of a cross-linker plays an important role in increasing the stability by optimizing the physiochemical parameters, such as pH, temperature, and viscosity. Due to their versatility and tailored functionalities, nanocomposite hydrogels possess a remarkable potential to be exploited in the area of biomedical and biotechnological research, including drug delivery, biosensors, and tissue engineering. Despite tremendous research and application potential of the nanocomposite hydrogels in the biomedical field, many challenges are yet to unfold. Therefore, new and innovative nanocomposite hydrogel types with a highly ordered structure and unique properties need to be fabricated in order to pave a pathway for future applications.
