Nanocomposite hydrogels as multifunctional systems for biomedical applications: Current state and perspectives

Hydrogels mimic the tissue environment because of their hydrophilic and porous network structures. They are widely investigated in biomedical and biotechnological fields, however, due to the poor mechanical properties and limited functions, their further applications are restricted. In order to tackle these problems, an emerging approach is focused on the development of nanocomposite hydrogels. Numerous nanoparticles, including carbon-based, silica, polymeric, and metal-based nanoparticles have been incorporated into hydrogels. The combination of the two different materials results in a hybrid material with synergistic properties of both components. Nanocomposite hydrogels are designed to possess superior physicochemical and biological properties. Therefore, they are rapidly developing new materials, which have predominant applications in biological and material sciences. In this manuscript, we intended to summarize recent development in the nanocomposite hydrogels and their applications in the biomedical field.