Polyglycerol-based hydrogels and nanogels: from synthesis to applications.

Abstract

Hydrogels and nanogels have emerged as promising materials for biomedical applications owing to their large surface area andtunable mechanical and chemical properties. Their large surface area is well suited for bioconjugation, whilstthe interior porous network can be utilized for the transport of valuable biomolecules. The use of biocompatible hydrophilic building blocks/linkers for the preparation of hydrogelsand nanogels not only avoids undesired side effects within the biological system, but also retains high water content, thereby creating an environment which is very similar to extracellular matrix. Their tunable multivalency and hydrophilicity andexcellent biocompatibility, together with ease of functionalization, makes polyglycerol macromonomers well suited for synthesizing cross-linked networks that can be used as extracellular matrix mimics. Here we provide an overview of the synthesis of polyglycerol-based hydrogels and nanogels for various biomedical applications.