A review of responsive hybrid microgels fabricated with silver nanoparticles: synthesis, classification, characterization and applications

Multi-responsive microgels loaded with silver nanoparticles have gained much attention in the recent years. Such hybrid system combines responsive behavior of microgels with optical and electronic properties of silver nanoparticles. This composite system shows quick response to slight variation of temperature, pH and ionic strength of medium and concentration of certain biological substances. This review article describes the recent research progress of synthesis, classification, methods of characterization and properties of silver nanoparticles containing microgels. It also covers applications of silver nanoparticles-loaded responsive microgels in catalysis, biomedical field, nanotechnology and degradation of toxic environmental moieties. [GRAPHICS] .