Functional Nanocomposite Hydrogels

Book excerpt: Functional Nanocomposite Hydrogels: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biomedical Applications reviews how the unique properties of nanoscale composite materials make them ideal candidates for use in biomedical hydrogels. The book covers a range of key nanocomposite materials for use in biomedical hydrogels, including graphene quantum dot, cellulose and collagen nanocomposites. A wide selection of biomedical applications for functional nanocomposite hydrogels is explored, from drug delivery and cancer therapy, to wound healing and bioimaging. This is a key reference for those working in the fields of biomaterials, nanotechnology, pharmacology, biomedical engineering, and anyone with a particular interest in composites and hydrogels. To improve the properties of conventional hydrogels, nanoparticles or nanostructures are incorporated into the hydrogel networks, forming a composite hydrogel with specialized functional properties which are tailored to a specific biomedical application. - Reviews the benefits and challenges of nanocomposites as novel materials in biomedical hydrogels, providing the reader with a wider range of choice and improved options for hydrogel development - Describes the synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite hydrogels, offering end-to-end analysis of the process - Details the range of applications in biomedicine for nanocomposite hydrogels, including biosensing, antimicrobics and drug delivery