Nanocomposite Hydrogels Research Articles

Structure driven bio-responsive ability of injectable nanocomposite hydrogels for efficient bone regeneration

Injectable hydrogels are promising for treatment of bone defects in clinic owing to their minimally invasive procedure. Currently, there is limited emphasis on how to utilize injectable hydrogels to mobilize body's regenerative potential for enhancing bone regeneration. Herein, an injectable bone-mimicking hydrogel (BMH) scaffold assembled from nanocomposite microgel building blocks was developed, in which a highly interconnected microporous structure and an inorganic/organic (methacrylated hydroxyapatite and methacrylated gelatin) interweaved nano structure were well-designed. Compared with hydrogels lacking micro-nano structures or only showing microporous structure, the BMH scaffold enhanced the ingrowth of vessels and promoted the formation of dense cellular networks (including stem cells and M2 macrophages), across the entire scaffold at early stage after subcutaneous implantation. Moreover, the BMH scaffold could not only directly trigger osteogenic differentiation of the infiltrated stem cells, but also provided an instructive osteo-immune microenvironment by inducing macrophages into M2 phenotype. Mechanistically, our results reveal that the nano-rough structure of the BMH plays an essential role in inducing macrophage M2 polarization through activating mechanotransduction related RhoA/ROCK2 pathway. Overall, this work offers an injectable hydrogel with micro-nano structure driven bio-responsive abilities, highlighting harnessing body's inherent regenerative potential to realize bone regeneration.

Rheological and Injectability Evaluation of Sterilized Poloxamer-407-Based Hydrogels Containing Docetaxel-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles.

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have the potential to increase the bioavailability and reduce the side effects of docetaxel (DTX). However, only a small fraction of nanoparticles given intravenously can reach a solid tumor. In situ-forming gels combined with nanoparticles facilitate local administration and promote drug retention at the tumor site. Injectable hydrogels based on poloxamer 407 are excellent candidates for this hybrid nanoparticle-hydrogel system because of their thermoresponsive behavior and biocompatibility. Therefore, this work aimed to develop injectable poloxamer hydrogels containing NLCs for intratumoral delivery of DTX. To ensure sterility, the obtained hydrogels were autoclaved (121 °C for 15 min) after preparation. Then, the incorporation of NLCs into the poloxamer hydrogels and the impact of steam sterilization on the nanocomposite hydrogels were evaluated concerning sol-gel transition, injectability, and physicochemical stability. All formulations were extruded through the tested syringe-needle systems with acceptable force (2.2-13.4 N) and work (49.5-317.7 N·mm) of injection. Following steam sterilization, injection became easier in most cases, and the physicochemical properties of all hydrogels remained practically unchanged according to the spectroscopical and thermal analysis. The rheological evaluation revealed that the nanocomposite hydrogels were liquid at 25 °C and underwent rapid gelation at 37 °C. However, their sterilized counterparts gelled at 1-2 °C above body temperature, suggesting that the autoclaving conditions employed had rendered these nanocomposite hydrogels unsuitable for local drug delivery.

An Antibacterial, Conductive Nanocomposite Hydrogel Coupled with Electrical Stimulation for Accelerated Wound Healing.

Electrical stimulation (ES) can effectively promote skin wound healing; however, single-electrode-based ES strategies are difficult to cover the entire wound area, and the effectiveness of ES is often limited by the inconsistent mechanical properties of the electrode and wound tissue. The above factors may lead to ES treatment is not ideal. A multifunctional conductive hydrogel dressing containingmethacrylated gelatin (GelMA), Ti3C2and collagen binding antimicrobial peptides (V-Os) was developed to improve wound management. Ti3C2 was selected as the electrode component due to its excellent electrical conductivity, the modified antimicrobial peptide V-Os could replace traditional antibiotics to suppress bacterial infections, and GelMA hydrogel was used due to its clinical applicability in wound healing. The results showed that this new hydrogel dressing (GelMA@Ti3C2/V-Os) not only has excellent electrical conductivity and biocompatibility but also has a durable and efficient bactericidal effect. The modified antimicrobial peptides V-Os used were able to bind more closely to GelMA hydrogel to exert long-lasting antibacterial effects. The results of cell experiment showed that the GelMA@Ti3C2/V-Os hydrogel dressing could enhance the effect of current stimulation and significantly improve the migration, proliferation and tissue repair related genes expression of fibroblasts. In vitro experiments results showed that under ES, GelMA@Ti3C2/V-Os hydrogel dressing could promote re-epithelialization, enhance angiogenesis, mediate immune response and prevent wound infection. This multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel could provide new strategies for promoting infectious wound healing.

Intra‐Articular Injection of Nanomaterials for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: From Lubrication Function Restoration to Cell and Gene Therapy

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent joint disease affecting many people globally, presents significant challenge in current treatments, which often only manage symptoms without halting disease progression. This review illuminates novel approaches in OA therapy, focusing mainly on intra‐articular injection of nanomaterials. The innovative materials, designed to either mimic or augment natural joint lubrication, show promise in restoring joint biomechanics and alleviating pain. The review delves into an array of biomimetic lubricants, including polymer brush, nanocomposite hydrogel, and nanoparticles, underscoring their roles in anti‐inflammation, targeting, cartilage repair, and drug delivery. Furthermore, the potential of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into chondrocytes, coupled with the delivery of these cells and their exosomes via nanomaterials, has promoted cell therapy avenues for OA. The review also highlights the function of non‐coding RNAs such as miRNA, siRNA, circRNA, lncRNA, and antisense oligonucleotides in impeding OA progression, with nanomaterials facilitating their delivery, thus facilitating advanced therapeutic possibilities including immune evasion and bone cell proliferation. Overall, this review encapsulates the evolution of nanomaterials in OA treatment from material to cell, and ultimately to gene therapy, forecasting a future where nanomaterials evolve toward integrated, personalized diagnostics and therapeutics for OA.

Adsorption and antibacterial studies of a novel hydrogel adsorbent based on ternary eco-polymers doped with sulfonated graphene oxide developed from upcycled plastic waste

A novel ternary blended polymer composed of cost-effective and readily available polymers was synthesized using poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), iota carrageenan (IC), and poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). Sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO), prepared from recycled drinking water bottles, was utilized as a doping agent. Varying amounts (1–3 wt%) were combined into the polymer matrix. The produced hydrogel film was examined as a potential adsorbent hydrogel film for the removal of methylene blue (MB) and Gentamicin sulfate (GMS) antibiotic from an aqueous solution. The experimental results demonstrate that the presence of SGO significantly increased the adsorption efficiency of PVA/IC/PVP hydrogel film. The antimicrobial tests revealed that the PVA/IC/PVP-3% SGO hydrogel film exhibited the most potent activity against all the tested pathogenic bacteria. However, the adsorption results for MB and GMS showed that the addition of 3 wt% SGO resulted in a removal percentage that was a two fold increase in the removal percentage compared with the undoped PVA/IC/PVP hydrogel film. Furthermore, the response surface methodology (RSM) model was utilized to examine and optimize several operating parameters, including time, pH of the solution, and initial pollutant concentration. The adsorption kinetics were better characterized by the pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The composite film containing 3 wt% SGO had a maximum adsorption capacity of 606 mg g−1 for MB and 654 mg g−1 for GMS, respectively. The generated nanocomposite hydrogel film demonstrated promising potential for application in water purification systems.

Effect of novel composite materials on human injury and rehabilitation training in athletic long jump sports

Articular cartilage injuries are prevalent in track and field long jump and can affect an athlete’s health. However, current therapeutic options cannot effectively repair the damaged cartilage tissue. It is important to find alternative treatment methods that can provide better results for injured athletes. In this study, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were employed to enhance the properties of hyaluronic acid (HA) and develop nanocomposite hydrogel scaffolds. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells extracted from the joints of experimental mice were subsequently loaded onto the CNFs-HA scaffolds and evaluated for bioactivity and repair capacity. The TEM photographs of CNFs-MA displayed an orderly arrangement of fibers. Observing the FT-IR spectral characteristics of CNFs-MA revealed a telescopic vibration peak at 1700 cm−1. CNFs-HA demonstrated a rapid increase in cartilage damage repair score after 15 days, and at 1 month, the joint damage repair score of CNFs-HA was significantly different from that of pure HA and the untreated group. Based on the foregoing results, it can be inferred that CNFs-HA, as prepared, is biocompatible and efficacious in treating articular cartilage tissue injury. Furthermore, this study this study provides a reliable solution for cartilage injury treatment and establishes an experimental basis for its clinical management.

Hydrogel Nanocomposite Based Slow-Release Urea Fertilizer: Formulation, Structure, and Release Behavior

To enhance the nitrogen utilization efficiency of fertilizers, we developed a novel slow-release fertilizer hydrogel through free radical polymerization, incorporating lignin-containing cellulose nanofiber (LCNF), clinoptilolite (CL), urea, and acrylic acid (AA)-co-acrylamide (AAm) polymer. Various analytical techniques were utilized to examine the structure, swelling, and release behaviors of the fabricated hydrogels with varying LCNF concentrations. The results indicated that the addition of 10% LCNF led to a decrease in water absorption from 72.44 g g−1 to 24.04 g g−1. However, re-swelling was significantly enhanced, with a reduction in re-swelling capacity loss from 32.91% to 23.52%. Concurrently, water retention capacity notably increased from 18.03% to 39.20%. The hydrogel containing 10% LCNF exhibited a slower urea release over 30 days. The kinetic studies revealed that the swelling and urea release behaviors align well with the second-order kinetics model and the Peppas-Sahlin model, respectively. In summary, the developed LCNF/CL/(AA-co-AAm)/urea hydrogel nanocomposites present a novel strategy for the future production and utilization of slow-release fertilizers in agricultural and horticultural fields.

Gum karaya polymer-based biodegradable silver nanocomposite hydrogel through green approach for photocatalytic dye degradation and antimicrobial activity

The rise in industrialization and population growth has elevated water pollution to a critical environmental concern. This study introduces a novel polymer-mediated silver nanocomposite hydrogel for antibacterial activity and photocatalytic dye degradation for environmental remediation. In this study, silver nanocomposite hydrogels were developed using Karaya gum (KG), acrylamide, N-isopropyl acrylamide (NI), and 2-Bismethacryloyloxy ethyl phosphate (BMEP) as a crosslinker through a radical polymerization process. These hydrogels were utilized as templates for the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles by employing an aqueous Canthium leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Various analytical methods, including FTIR, UV–Vis, XPS, FESEM, EDX, XRD, AFM, and HRTEM, are characterized by the green synthesized KG-NIB-Ag nanocomposite hydrogel. Evaluation of the KG-NIB-Ag hydrogel involved examining its chemical composition, morphology, size, crystallinity, surface properties, bandgap, and chemical purity. TEM analysis validated an average crystallite size 33.2 nm. Moreover, the photocatalytic performance of the green-synthesized KG-NIB-Ag nanocomposite hydrogel was utilized to examine the degradation of Congo red dye under visible light irradiation. The findings of this study demonstrate that the degradation efficiency of CR reached approximately 73.25 % within 90 min, with a corresponding kinetic rate constant of 0.032 min−1. Furthermore, the antibacterial efficacy of the Ag nanocomposite hydrogel was evaluated against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The disc diffusion method was employed to assess its antibacterial activity, and the diameter of the inhibition zones was measured. This study introduces an innovative and influential strategy for environmental remediation, emphasizing the potential of KG-NIB-Ag nanocomposite hydrogel in tackling ecological challenges associated with wastewater treatment across various industries.

Polydopamine contained hydrogel nanocomposites with combined antimicrobial and antioxidant properties for accelerated wound healing

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in infected wounds induces a tremendous inflammatory reaction to delay wound healing. To address this problem, we designed a multifunctional polyacrylamide/PVA-based hydrogel containing synthesized poly(1-glycidyl-3-butylimidazolium salicylate) (polyGBImSal) and fabricated polydopamine-coated polyphenolic nanosheet (PDA@PNS) for wound dressing. The PDA@PNS particles were designed to induce I) antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features through ROS-scavenging and II) cell adhesive properties by the existing polydopamine into the hydrogels. The poly(ionic liquid)-based polyGBImSal was designed to allocate effective hydrogel antimicrobial activity. The fabricated hydrogel nanocomposites showed excellent properties in the swelling ratio, cell adhesiveness, protein adsorption, and anti-inflammatory, proving their general performance for application in wound healing. Furthermore, these hydrogels showed high antimicrobial activity (over 95 %) against three common wound-infecting pathogenic microbes: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The healing process of full-thickness dermal wounds in rats was accelerated by applying hydrogel nanocomposites with 0.5 wt% of PDA@PNS and 28 wt% of polyGBImSal. The wound closure contraction attained full closure, reaching 100 %, after 14 days, contrasted with the control group employing commercial wound dressing (Tegaderm), which achieved a closure rate of 68 % within the equivalent timeframe. These results make these hydrogel nanocomposites promising candidates for multifunctional wound dressing applications.

Evaluation of drug release efficiency and antibacterial property of a pH-responsive dextran-based silver nanocomposite hydrogel

The bioavailability of curcumin (CUR), a highly lipophilic and commonly used anticancer drug, is mainly affected by its poor solubility in aqueous environment and quick metabolism. These challenges can be met by employing delivery systems. Nanocomposite materials have been used as delivery systems to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of the drug. This study aims to develop dextran-graft-poly(4-acryloylmorpholine) silver nanocomposite using a microwave-assisted method to evaluate its drug-release efficiency and antimicrobial activity. The materials were characterized by FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDS, XRD, HR-TEM, TGA, and BET techniques. Drug loading and release efficiency were evaluated using CUR as the model drug. The swelling and drug release studies were conducted in buffer solutions of pH 1.2 and 7.4. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were employed to evaluate the antibacterial activity. The cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay against the breast MCF-10. Higher swelling and drug release were observed at pH 1.2 than 7.4. Nanocomposite hydrogel exhibited antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains. Cytotoxicity study proved the safety of the developed matrix. The results suggest the developed nanocomposite hydrogel to be a promising polymer matrix for the sustained release of CUR for cancer treatment that requires infectious control.

Studying removal of anionic dye by prepared highly adsorbent surface hydrogel nanocomposite as an applicable for aqueous solution

In this study, a Sodium alginate-g-poly (acrylamide-clay)/TiO2 hydrogel nanocomposite [SA-g-p(AM-Bn)/TiO2] was synthesized using the biopolymer sodium alginate (SA), acrylamide (AM), and bentonite clay (Bn) as hybrid materials embedded with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) for the removal of toxic Congo Red (CR) dye from an aqueous solution. The [SA-g-p(AM-Bn)/TiO2] nanocomposite has been described on the basis of thermal stability, morphological analysis, estimation of functional group, and crystalline/amorphous character by TGA, EFSEM/EDX, TEM, FT-IR, and XRD analysis, respectively. The effects of operational parameters toward the CR dye adsorption on [SA-g-p(AM-Bn)/TiO2], including contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration, initial pH, and temperature were investigated. The maximum adsorption efficiency was found to be 185.12 mg/g for [SA-g-p(AM-Bn)/TiO2] in 100 mg/L of solution CR at pH 6.0 within 1 h. The equilibrium isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics parameters of adsorption were examined, and results showed that the isotherm fitted the Freundlich model and the kinetics adsorption model of CR followed pseudo-first-order, thus indicating physisorption of anionic-CR onto the sorbent due to the development of an electrostatic attraction bond. Thermodynamic parameters for [SA-g-p(AM-Bn)/TiO2] have values (ΔG and ΔH) reflecting the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption processes. Moreover, [SA-g-p(AM-Bn)/TiO2] presented outstanding excellent reusability and recyclability with a relatively best removal percentage as compared to [SA-g-p(AM-Bn)] and suggested their applicability towards the textile industry and water purification purposes.

Functional Polyorganosilsesquioxane Nanocomposite Hydrogels With Encapsulated Silver Nanoparticles – Promising Compounds Against Gastrointestinal Pathogen Bacteria

AbstractNowadays the most common gastrointestinal related gram‐negative H. pylori and E. coli pathogen bacteria that are considered to be the main causes for the development of various gastric diseases and bloodstream infections are rapidly developing resistance against the standard antibiotics, commonly used in the clinical practices. One of the alternative high potential approaches for solving problems of bacterial resistance includes applications of silver‐based materials and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In the present study two types of amine‐ and triazol‐ functional polyorganosilsesquioxane nanocomposite sorbent hydrogels with narrowly dispersed AgNPs were developed. In vitro antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity tests showed concentration‐ and time‐dependent activity of the prepared nanocomposites against gram‐negative E. coli and H. pylori bacteria and a reduced cytotoxicity towards Caco‐2 human colon epithelial cells. Molecular structures and chemical compositions of the synthesized composites elucidated with transmission and scanning electron microscopy and UV‐Vis spectroscopy revealed spherical and narrowly dispersed along the polymer matrices AgNPs with average sizes of 3–5 nm. It was estimated that the chemical composition and particularly the zeta‐potentials values that were found to be dependent on the molecular structures of the synthesized nanocomposites had a high influence on the AgNPs antibacterial activity and cytoxicity profiles.

An Injectable Nanocomposite IPN Hydrogel Based on Gelatin Methacrylate/Alginate/COF for Tissue Engineering Applications

AbstractThe primary request nowadays is for innovative and superior scaffold designs that mimic the characteristics of native tissue in cartilage tissue engineering. GelMA/Alginate (G/A) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) has become a popular hydrogel material for tissue engineering because of its superior mechanical and biological properties. Here, to balance the properties, a hydrogel composed of G/A and covalent organic frameworks (COF) nanoparticles is specially designed. In this study, a hydrogel of GelMA/Alginate/COF (G/A/C) with improved properties such as pore size, swelling, mechanical strength, shear‐thinning behavior, and biocompatibility is produced. Furthermore, the G/A/C hydrogel facilitate the printing of complex three dimensional (3D) scaffolds. The test result demonstrates that the addition of COF up to 1% (w/w) enhances the porosity and decreases pore size (0.2 times), improves the compression strength (six times), and decreases the degradation ratio (0.05 times) and the swelling (0.3 times) compared to the G/A hydrogel sample. Besides, the cell viability test confirms the cell growth during the incubation and great biological behavior (more than 98%). The suitable performance of the G/A hydrogel containing 1% COF and its shape fidelity during the injection by 3D printer is confirmed. Nanocomposite IPN hydrogel based on G/A/C could be useful in tissue engineering applications.

Remote-controlled saline tolerant tough-yet-strong solar vapor evaporator based on multifunctional Fe3O4 nanoparticles reinforced gel-nacre

Solar vapor evaporators in saline hold enormous potentials in resource sustainability, seawater desalination, as well as renewable energy harvesting. Nanocomposite hydrogels with the property of photothermal conversion have emerged as candidates for solar-driven steam generation devices, but are limited by remote control and low mechanical properties in a saline environment. Here, we developed a remote-controlled, saline tolerant, and tough-yet-strong solar vapor evaporator based on multifunctional Fe3O4 nanoparticles reinforced gel-nacre. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles play triple roles of acting as nano-crosslinks, photothermal converters, and untethered manipulation, coupling gel-nacre matrix with a shrinking tendency in saline that contributes to synergistic mechanical reinforcement. Such integrated magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel exhibits tough-yet-strong mechanical properties (19.58 MPa ultimate strength, 300 % failure strain, self-recoverability under 500 %, and fatigue-resistance), addressing the challenges of remote operation system and high strength requirement for practical applications. Moreover, good photothermal conversion performances (1.26 kg m−2 h−1 evaporation rate and 92.84 % evaporation efficiency) could be achieved with remotely controlled motion or adjustable position simultaneously under an external magnetic field. The intelligent solar vapor evaporation system based on multifunctional magnetic Fe3O4@gel-nacre nanocomposite provides new opportunities for flexible energy-transducing devices with untethered manipulation in saline environment.

Magnetic, Biocompatible and Biodegradable Carboxymethyl Cellulose‐Based Hydrogel for Cationic Dye Adsorption

AbstractEnsuring the availability of water resources that are both clean and safe is crucial for the preservation of environmental health and the well‐being of humans. Here, we fabricated carboxymethyl cellulose‐based hydrogel nanocomposite using acrylic acid (AA) and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfuric acid (AMPS) monomers and Fe3O4 nanoparticles through a free radical crosslinking process for adsorption of dyes from contaminated water. The synthesized nanocomposite hydrogel was characterized using various techniques, including TEM, XRD, FTIR, SEM‐EDS, TGA, and AFM analysis. The swelling capacity of samples in an aqueous medium at multiple pH levels and the presence of different salts were investigated. The adsorption efficiency of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV), emphasizing the effect of hydrogel concentration and the medium's pH, was studied. It was concluded that the hydrogel sample containing 17 % AMPS and 51 % AA had better swelling capacity and dye removal efficiency. The dye adsorption kinetics data were fitted to pseudo‐first and second‐order kinetic models and the Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity for MB and CV was 53.97 and 53.57 mg/g, respectively. It was revealed that the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model could best describe adsorption (qe=79.2 mg/g for MB and qe=65.8 mg/g for CV). The intra‐particle diffusion model was found to be the rate‐limiting mechanism of dye adsorption. Thermodynamic studies proposed that the adsorption of MB and CV was spontaneous and endothermic. Additionally, magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel‘s reusability up to four successive cycles further determines its probability of adsorption of dyes from wastewater.

Supramolecular assembly of dual crosslinked nanocomposite polysaccharides hydrogel: Integration of injectable, self-healing, and pH-responsive platform for sustained delivery of polyphenols

This study introduces an innovative approach in the field of biomaterials through the development of a multifunctional, printable scaffold designed for the advanced delivery of polyphenols. Addressing challenges of burst-release, poor compounds solubility and bioavailability, we engineered a supramolecular-assembled dual crosslinked hydrogel combining fucoidan (F) and chitosan (CS) encapsulating nanoliposomes. The novel integration of dibenzaldehyde-terminated PEG (DB) within the hydrogel, created a synergistic crosslinking through the formation of the covalent Schiff base bonds and physical interactions which enhanced the hydrogel's overall characteristics. Tailoring F content (DBCS-F), allowed the crosslinking density modulation, yielding a robust gel network structure with enhanced mechanical properties, evidenced by a remarkable compressive stress resistance of 1.73 MPa at 60% strain, coupled with high compressive resilience (79.31% stress recovery after 6 cycles), surpassing single crosslinked hydrogel (DBCS). The rheological analysis further confirmed the hydrogel's improved viscoelasticity, stable network structure, and shear-thinning behavior, affirming its excellent injectability and suitability for 3D printing applications. Most notably, the incorporation of catechin/juglone-loaded nanoliposomes contributed to a pH-responsive sustained release of polyphenols in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The developed dual crosslinked hydrogel, integrating injectability, self-healing, and pH-responsiveness presents a significant advancement in biomaterials and holds a promising approach for the fabrication of personalized 3D printed scaffolds aimed for sustained and targeted polyphenols release.

Last Advances on Hydrogel Nanoparticles Composites in Medicine: An Overview with Focus on Gold Nanoparticles

AbstractHydrogel nanocomposites have lately taken part in the biomaterials scenario for several applications in the biomedical field, e. g., drug delivery, biosensing and cancer therapy. The inclusion of a broad variety of nanomaterials inside the hydrogel matrix leads to the successful development of hybrid platforms with superior and advantageous features. In this way, finely designed nano‐systems can be obtained, which are able to overcome the intrinsic limitations of conventional hydrogels, such as weak mechanical properties, burst drug delivery, extremely high hydrophilicity and lack of multifunctionality. This review aims to outline the last advances in the manufacturing of nanocomposite systems and their novel applications to the biomedical field, providing an overview of the most used nanoparticles with a special focus on gold nanoparticles.

In Vitro Evaluation and Characterization of Double Emulsion Based on Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Agarose/ZIF-8 Hydrogel Nanocomposite Platform for Quercetin Delivery to Breast Cancer Cells

In Vitro Evaluation and Characterization of Double Emulsion Based on Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Agarose/ZIF-8 Hydrogel Nanocomposite Platform for Quercetin Delivery to Breast Cancer Cells

Gelatin/PVP/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite based on double micro-emulsion for tissue engineering applications

Biomedical applications of composite hydrogels are attractive because of their characteristics. Gelatin/poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and HAp nanocomposite hydrogel are developed and characterized by FTIR, XRD, etc. In a bicomponent system, gelatin ensures biodegradability and biocompatibility. In contrast, PVP, a physiologic inert component, can impart elasticity to films and membranes due to its affinity for water and capacity to confer elasticity to films and membranes. Morphology, physicomechanical properties, water content, and in vitro studies were explored. To characterize the morphology of nanocomposite hydrogels, EDX and SEM were used. In addition, the Gelatin/PVP hydrogel composite had a water content of 85.8%. Hydrophilicity was significantly enhanced by adding hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. Samples containing HAp showed the highest swelling ratios. Biocompatibility tests performed on L929 cells showed significant attachment and viability. Based on the results, nanocomposite hydrogels might be suitable for tissue engineering because they support cell growth and proliferation well.

Self-assembly of a AuNPs/Ti3C2 MXene hydrogel for cascade amplification of microRNA-122 biosensing.

A three-dimensional (3D) self-assembled AuNPs/Ti3C2 MXene hydrogel (AuNPs/Ti3C2 MXH) nanocomposite was prepared for the fabrication of a novel microRNA-122 electrochemical biosensor. The 3D hydrogel structure was gelated from two-dimensional MXene nanosheets with the assistance of graphite oxide and ethylenediamine. MXene hydrogels supported the in situ formation of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) that predominantly exploring the (111) facet, and these AuNPs are utilized as carriers for hairpin DNA (hpDNA) probes, facilitating DNA hybridization. MXene acted as both a reductant and stabilizer, significantly improving the electrochemical signal. In addition, the conjugation of PAMAM dendrimer-encapsulated AuNPs and H-DNA worked as an ideal bridge to connect targets and efficient electrochemical tags, providing a high amplification efficiency for the sensing of microRNA-122. A linear relationship between the peak currents and the logarithm of the concentrations of microRNA-122 from 1.0 × 10-2 to 1.0 × 102 fM(I = 1.642 + 0.312 lgc, R2 = 0.9891), is obtained. The detection limit is 0.8 × 10-2 fM (S/N = 3). The average recovery for human serum detection ranged from 97.32 to 101.4% (RSD < 5%).