Hybrid Nanohydrogels: Design and Applications

Hydrogels are composed of three-dimensional cross-linked polymer networks with hydrophilic nature, which can therefore absorb large quantities of water within the spaces available among the polymer chains. Hydrogels can provide good mechanical support and/or a hydrated environment that offer good cytocompatibility and controlled release of molecules. During the last decade, vast amount of research has been focused in the development of hybrid nanohydrogels which include the incorporation of a secondary nanosized component to the hydrogel matrix in order to provide additional reinforcement or tailor a specific application such as imparting biological functions in tissue engineering, drug delivery and gene therapies. This chapter provides a fresh insight into some of the recent developments in hybrid nanohydrogels, describing some physical and chemical cross-linking approaches to form strong networks. Moreover, the use of synthetic and biological molecules to impart desired properties is also described, focusing mainly in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.