Chapter 7 - Functionalized nanoparticles-based polymer nanocomposites: synthesis, characterizations, and biodegradability aspects

Abstract

Polymeric nanocomposites based on functionalized nanoparticles exhibit exceptional properties and have a nanoscale diameter, making them an excellent reinforcing agent for high strength polymer composites. Because of their biodegradability and other characteristics, biodegradable polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) have a lot of potential in the industrial sector. In order to create nanocomposites with good properties, inorganic and organic nanoparticles were used as fillers and additives. This chapter focuses on the synthesis, characterization, biomedical applications, and biodegradability of polymeric nanocomposites based on functionalized nanoparticles. The biopolymer used to make nanocomposites has a common cross-linked structure with antioxidant properties, increased biodegradability, and good UV absorption. We also discuss potential applications of functionalized nanoparticle-based nanocomposites, which include multimodal imaging and drug delivery. The bottlenecks and limitations in integrating nanocomposites in a variety of applications are nanostructure dispersion and distribution. Furthermore, there is an increasing body of literature reporting on in vivo and in vitro studies on functionalized nanoparticle-based PNCs. When it comes to biological applications, only a few formulations made it to the clinical trial stage, and even fewer made it to the market. It is concluded that using appropriate nanoformulations, functionalized nanoparticle-based PNCs provide better opportunities to improve the bioavailability of drugs that are already in clinical use.