Nanocomposite Hydrogels Research Articles

Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness of Carbon Nanotubes Hydrogel Nanocomposites in the Frequency Range from 1.7 to 6.0 GHz

Carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites are being increasingly utilized in materials for electromagnetic shielding purposes due to their exceptional electrical and mechanical properties. The current study optimizes a simple procedure to prepare multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-based hydrogel nanocomposites out of water, gelatin, and glycerol. The content ratio of each component in the hydrogel composite is carefully selected to optimize the dielectric properties over the electromagnetic (EM) wave frequency of 0.5 to 20 GHz. The hydrogel nanocomposites were prepared with MWCNT concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 wt%. The dispersion of MWCNTs in the nanocomposites was investigated and confirmed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The dielectric parameters, including the real dielectric constant ε′, imaginary dielectric constant ε″, and tangent loss tan δ along with the DC and AC electrical conductivity (σDC,σAC) were investigated. The study shows a significant enhancement in the dielectric parameters of the prepared nanocomposites as the MWCNT concentration is increased. The shielding effectiveness (SE) of the hydrogel nanocomposites against electromagnetic waves in the frequency range from 1.7 to 6.0 GHz is investigated and found to be enhanced as the concentration of MWCNTs and frequency have increased. The shielding effectiveness of the prepared hydrogel nanocomposites ranges from 10 dB to 26 dB, equivalent to shielding of 90% and more than 99% of incident radiation, respectively.

Development of Pectin‐graft‐poly(4‐acryloylmorpholine) Embedded with Silver Nanoparticles as a Dual Drug Delivery System for Sustained Release of 5‐Fluorouracil and Curcumin

AbstractThis study reports the preparation of pectin‐graft‐poly(4‐acryloylmorpholine) silver nanocomposite hydrogel (Pec‐g‐PAcM‐AgNPs) as a dual drug delivery system (DDDS) for sustained release of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and curcumin (CUR). The matrix material was made in aqueous medium and characterized by various techniques. Higher swelling and drug release were observed at pH 7.4 than at pH 1.2. The drug loading efficiency of the nanocomposite was determined to be 39.1 mg g−1 for 5‐FU and 42.8 mg g−1 for CUR. About 93.9% of 5‐FU and 72.2% of CUR were released from the nanocomposite at pH 7.4 during 24 h. The drug release kinetics and mechanism were best fitted to the first‐order kinetic and Higuchi square rootmodels, respectively. The release of 5‐FU and CUR adhered to the Fickian and non‐Fickian diffusion mechanism, respectively. The cell viability of the drug‐loaded nanocomposite was above 85%, indicating cytocompatibility of the developed polymer matrix. The results highlight the potential of the prepared nanocomposite as a suitable DDDS for enhancing bioavailability of 5‐FU and CUR in the gastrointestinal tract for cancer therapy.

Construction and Characterization of Polyethylene Glycol/Sodium Alginate Hydrogel Loaded With Zirconia Nanoparticles: Potential Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Agent to Inhibit Dental Caries InVitro and InVivo.

Biofilm formation on tooth surfaces is a primary contributor to dental caries and periodontal diseases. Streptococcus mutans is recognized for its role in biofilm production, significantly influencing the development of dental caries. Key virulence factors associated with S. mutans biofilms include acid production, acid tolerance, and the synthesis of exopolysaccharides (EPS). This study presents a novel approach by focusing on the loading of biosynthesized zirconia nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) onto polyethylene glycol/sodium alginate (PEG/SA) hydrogel nanocomposite, evaluating their effects on the biofilm-forming ability of S. mutans both invivo and invitro. ZrO2 NPs were biosynthesized using Citrus aurantifolia (C. aurantifolia) extract and incorporated into the PEG/SA hydrogel beads through a sol-gel process. The formation of ZrO2 NPs and the PEG/SA/ZrO2 NPs hydrogel nanocomposite was confirmed through diverse analyzes, including UV-visible spectroscopy, particle size measurement, morphology examination, spectral analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and hemolysis studies. The average particle size of the ZrO2 NPs was approximately 26 nm, while the PEG/SA/ZrO2 NPs hydrogel beads exhibited a highly porous, sheet-like surface structure. Invitro results demonstrated inhibition zones of 30 and 28 mm for ZrO2 NPs and PEG/SA/ZrO2 NPs hydrogel beads against S. mutans, respectively, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 mg/mL. The growth curve analysis indicated a complete decline in S. mutans growth with an 87% reduction in biofilm formation when treated with PEG/SA/ZrO2 NPs hydrogel beads. SEM analysis revealed that S. mutans cells appeared lysed or crumpled, losing their characteristic coccal shape after exposure to the hydrogel beads. Additionally, SEM images confirmed the effective prevention of S. mutans attachment to teeth when encapsulated with PEG/SA/ZrO2 NPs hydrogel, altering the morphology of mature biofilms that developed on the teeth after treatment. Finally, the incorporation of biosynthesized ZrO2 NPs into PEG/SA hydrogels demonstrates significant potential as an effective strategy for inhibiting S. mutans biofilm formation and may serve as a promising topical agent for reducing dental caries. Further studies could explore the long-term efficacy and potential clinical applications of this nanocomposite in oral health care.

Facile Nanocomposite Hydrogel Scaffold with Sustained Drug Release and Osteo-Immunomodulatory Effects to Enhance Bone Regeneration.

High-quality repair of critical bone defects without exogenous cells remains a major clinical challenge worldwide. Herein, we fabricated a nanocomposite hydrogel scaffold (ASA/MSNs/CSH) by incorporating aspirin (ASA)-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) into genipin-cross-linked chitosan hydrochloride (CSH). The resulting scaffold was designed to provide immunomodulatory support during the process of bone regeneration. ASA-loaded MSNs were encapsulated in CSH, forming a composite hydrogel capable of sustained drug release for over 35 days. This composite hydrogel was able to meet key criteria for physicochemical properties, mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and cell affinity. The study showed that the scaffolds could create a beneficial immune microenvironment through reducing inflammation and inducing macrophages toward M2-polarized phenotype in vitro. The scaffold also enhanced the osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells, as demonstrated by enhancing the alkaline phosphatase activity and the formation of calcium nodules. Meanwhile, the TGF-β/Smad pathway was identified as an important regulatory mechanism via Western blot analysis. Moreover, the critical size defect models were established in rat skulls, and the results demonstrated that the ASA/MSNs/CSH nanocomposite scaffolds exhibited adequate biocompatibility, superior anti-inflammatory effect, and an admirable capacity for bone regeneration in vivo.

Nano CaCO3 mediated in vitro and in vivo wound healing characteristics of chitosan films without added drugs.

Nano CaCO3 mediated in vitro and in vivo wound healing characteristics of chitosan films without added drugs.

Injectable Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Combating Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Ferroptosis.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major cause of low back pain, where oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are key contributors. Additionally, ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death, is identified as a critical mechanism in IVDD pathogenesis. Herein, the therapeutic potential of gallic acid (GA)-derived PGA-Cu nanoparticles, enhanced with functional octapeptide (Cys-Lys-His-Gly-d-Arg-d-Tyr-Lys-Phe, SS08) to build the mitochondria-targeted nanoparticles (PGA-Cu@SS08), and embedded within a hydrogel matrix to form a nanocomposite hydrogel, is explored. The nanoparticles show targeted localization within mitochondria, effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species and preserving mitochondrial function. The abundant phenolic hydroxyl groups present on the nanoparticle surface, along with the histidine residue of the SS08 peptide, endow these entities with the capacity to chelate iron. Through RNA sequencing analysis, it is discovered that PGA-Cu@SS08 activates the NRF2 signaling pathway, mitigating ferroptosis. It also reduces iron overload by inhibiting the autophagy of iron storage proteins. Additionally, the nanocomposite hydrogels exhibit excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, along with enhanced mechanical properties that improve intervertebral disc (IVD) performance. PGA-Cu@SS08 is continuously released from these hydrogels, restoring IVD height and maintaining tissue hydration levels, thus facilitating future applications for alleviating IVDD.

Personalized assessment and monitoring of bone health from sweat: unveiling TEGO doped wearable, non-invasive hydrogel nanocomposite biosensor empowered by IL-6 detection.

Portable biosensing is crucial for rapid detection and continuous monitoring of bone diseases such as osteoporosis and bone cancer. It is well established that such bone disorders or diseases trigger release of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL6), detectable in sweat by electrochemical immunosensors. To this end, this study presents a novel hydrogel nanocomposite based immunosensor with highly conductive dual-layer of exfoliated graphene oxide (TEGO), toward precise detection and determination of loading level of IL-6 biomarker, and in turn, developing a label-free flexible bone biosensing platform. The immunosensor employed antibody immobilization process, which was further facilitated by the modification of the dual-layer by using 1-pyrenebutyric acid N-hydroxy succinimide ester (Pyr-NHS). A thorough analysis of the effects of surface modification was conducted utilizing spectroscopic, electrochemical, and morphological methods. The biosensor's response was assessed through the utilization of the cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurement, which exhibited remarkable selectivity, achieving a low limit of detection (LOD) of 15.4 pg/ml across a wide linear range. Additionally, FE-SEM, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy were successfully used to validate the sensing substrate in bio-fluidic samples and to understand the structure-property correlation. This innovative portable and flexible biosensor thus offers a practical and effective tool for potential application in continuous monitoring of bone health.

Sodium alginate-based nanocomposite hydrogel membrane for removal of heavy metal ions and dyes in water.

Sodium alginate-based nanocomposite hydrogel membrane for removal of heavy metal ions and dyes in water.

Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation of hMSCs Using BMP@ZIF-8-Loaded GelMA Nanocomposite Hydrogels with Controlled BMP-2 Release

Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation of hMSCs Using BMP@ZIF-8-Loaded GelMA Nanocomposite Hydrogels with Controlled BMP-2 Release

Phosphate-responsive nanocomposite hydrogel laden with umbilical cord blood exosomes and nanosilver accelerates diabetic and infectious wound healing

Phosphate-responsive nanocomposite hydrogel laden with umbilical cord blood exosomes and nanosilver accelerates diabetic and infectious wound healing

Polydopamine Nanocomposite Hydrogel for Drug Slow-Release in Bone Defect Repair: A Review of Research Advances

In recent years, hydrogels have emerged as promising candidates for bone defect repair due to their excellent biocompatibility, high porosity, and water-retentive properties. However, conventional hydrogels face significant challenges in clinical translation, including brittleness, low mechanical strength, and poorly controlled drug degradation rates. To address these limitations, as a multifunctional polymer, polydopamine (PDA) has shown great potential in both bone regeneration and drug delivery systems. Its robust adhesive properties, biocompatibility, and responsiveness to photothermal stimulation make it an ideal candidate for enhancing hydrogel performance. Integrating PDA into conventional hydrogels not only improves their mechanical properties but also creates an environment conducive to cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, thereby promoting bone defect repair. Moreover, PDA facilitates controlled drug release, offering a promising approach to optimizing treatment outcomes. This paper first explores the mechanisms through which PDA promotes bone regeneration, laying the foundation for its clinical translation. Additionally, it discusses the application of PDA-based nanocomposite hydrogels as advanced drug delivery systems for bone defect repair, providing valuable insights for both research and clinical translation.

Investigation on Effect of 3-Trimethoxysilyl Propyl Methacrylate based Nano-ZnO/CTF Nanocomposite Hydrogel- Synthesis and Characterization

A groundbreaking method has been developed for the preparation of CTF (citric acid, triethanolamine, and 2-furoic acid) hydrogel that promises significant advancements in material science. By reacting CTF hydrogel with nano-zinc oxide and 3-trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate to create a nanocomposite. The hydrogel’s properties, meticulously monitored through swelling behavior assessment (a broad pH range from 2.0 to 11.0), strikingly, the swelling percentage was highest in a neutral medium (pH 7.0), outperforming both alkaline and acidic environments. This innovative approach paves the way for swelling behavior of the synthesized hydrogel. The results of swelling equilibrium significantly improve with ascending concentrations of both nano ZnO and TMP respectively. The synthesized CTF- nano ZnO-TMP nanocomposite hydrogels have been characterized using various analytical techniques like UV, FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, SEM-EDX which confirms the presence of 3-trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate (TMP) and nano-zinc oxide in the CTF network. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has also been carried out for the present investigation. The outcome of thermal studies reveals that CTF-Nano-Zn-TMP nanocomposite hydrogels found to have thermally stable to 400 0 C. Hence, the compounds of present investigation may be utilized for high performance applications.

Experimental investigation of pre-crosslinking methods and employing nano-hydroxyapatite powder on alginate/carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel printability via 3D bioprinting

Purpose Three-dimensional bioprinting (3D bioprinting) is used for repairing and regenerating living tissues due to its ease of use, cost-effectiveness and high precision in fabricating. Owing to their high biocompatibility, natural hydrogels are widely used as scaffold materials in bioprinting. However, the mechanical properties and low printability of hydrogels present a challenge. This study aims to introduce a composite hydrogel that exhibits excellent mechanical, biological and printability properties simultaneously. Design/methodology/approach Alginate (Alg), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) as suitable materials for 3D printing were used. Effect of material content and pre-crosslinking on various properties of these materials were investigated. Both quantitative and qualitative experiments were conducted to validate the biomaterial ink’s printability, its rheological characteristics, as well as its biological and mechanical properties. Findings Based on the analysis of the obtained experimental results from all mentioned tests, a hydrogel with a composition of 4% Alg, 2% CMC and 2% nHA with the pre-crosslinking process was selected as the preferred option. The results demonstrated that the selected material has good cell adhesion, wettability, degradation rate and 93% cell viability. Furthermore, compared to the composition of 4% Alg–2% CMC, the chosen material exhibited a 52% improvement in printability and a 55% improvement in compressive modulus. Originality/value A significant challenge in the field of 3D bioprinting is the development of scaffolds that possesses optimal mechanical, biological and printability characteristics simultaneously, essential for attaining tissue-like properties. Hence, this paper explores a novel nanocomposite hydrogel that demonstrates promising outcomes across all these aspects simultaneously.

Enhanced Antimicrobial Carboxy Methyl Cellulose-Based Hydrogel–ZnO Composites Film for UV Blocking and Controlled Drug Release

Enhanced Antimicrobial Carboxy Methyl Cellulose-Based Hydrogel–ZnO Composites Film for UV Blocking and Controlled Drug Release

Design and Application of Stimuli-Responsive Nanocomposite Hydrogels: A Review.

In order to improve the disadvantages of traditional hydrogels such as low mechanical strength and lack of responsiveness, different types of nanoparticles or nanostructures are added into the hydrogel network through in situ polymerization, self-assembly techniques, and other strategies, giving hydrogels a variety of special properties, such as stimulation sensitivity, optical or electrical properties, and reversibility. With the development of nano materials and synthesis technology, nanocomposite hydrogels have shown great potential in drug delivery, tissue engineering, motion detection, and wastewater treatment, and have been extensively studied in recent years. This review comprehensively elucidates the state-of-the-art preparation strategies and underlying response mechanisms of diverse stimulus-responsive nanocomposite hydrogels, spanning temperature, pH, humidity, electrical, and light responses. It systematically dissects their applications in biomedicine, environmental remediation, flexible sensing, and composite phase change materials. Moreover, it delves into future prospects and challenges, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation to unlock their full potential in emerging fields and address existing limitations.

Physically and Ionically Crosslinked Poly(Itaconic Acid)/Laponite Nanocomposite Hydrogels: Preparation and Erythrosine Dye Release

ABSTRACTThis work describes the preparation of physically crosslinked high molecular weight poly (itaconic acid) (PIA)/Laponite hydrogels. In addition, these bio‐based hydrogels were ionically co‐crosslinked using calcium chloride solution for different times. The interactions of the calcium cations with carboxylate groups of PIA were visually checked using the murexide indicator and confirmed with potentiometric titration determining calcium binding capacity, and rheology showing an increase in storage and loss moduli of the hydrogels. This approach enables us to prepare core‐shell materials with a soft hydrogel core and a calcium co‐crosslinked shell. The release kinetics of erythrosine as a model compound of anionic dye were evaluated with common mathematical models. The ionic co‐crosslinking inhibited diffusion of the dye and prolonged its release, showing the application potential of the prepared hydrogels in agrochemical delivery systems.

Enhancing the Stability and Activity of Enzymes through Layer-by-Layer Immobilization with Nanocomposite Hydrogel

Enhancing the Stability and Activity of Enzymes through Layer-by-Layer Immobilization with Nanocomposite Hydrogel

Nanocomposite magnetic hydrogel based on κ-carrageenan and acrylic acid for the removal of Cd(II), Co(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II); Efficient adsorption enhanced by activated carbon and magnetic nanoparticles.

Nanocomposite magnetic hydrogel based on κ-carrageenan and acrylic acid for the removal of Cd(II), Co(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II); Efficient adsorption enhanced by activated carbon and magnetic nanoparticles.

Cellulose-Based Hydrogel Decorated with Green Cobalt-Doped CopperOxide Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene BlueDye from Aqueous Solution

Abstract This study investigates the effectiveness of a novel metal oxide-based hydrogel nanocomposite in degrading synthetic dyes in the presence of UV light. The nanocomposite is synthesized through the insertion of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) into a hydrogel matrix, optimizing the material's photocatalytic properties. The successful synthesis of the hydrogel nanocomposite was verified using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Through determination of XRD parameters, a successful synthesis of Co-CuO HNCs with an average crystallite size of 10.21 nm was confirmed. SEM images showed that after incorporating spherical-shaped Co-CuO NPs into the hydrogel matrix, the surface of the final composite became rough and fragmented with a surface area of 4.06 m2/g. Optical studies showed that the bandgap was reduced as Co-CuO NPs were incorporated into the hydrogel matrix. Photocatalytic degradation experiments were conducted using methylene blue (MB) to assess the hydrogel nanocomposite's efficiency. The results demonstrate a significant enhancement in degradation rates compared to traditional photocatalysts, due to the synergistic effects of the metal NPs and the hydrogel network. Within 120 min, the photocatalytic removal efficiency of MB reached 96% at a pH of 10 using 100 mg of the catalyst. The photocatalytic degradation process followed a pseudo first-order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.0183 min−1. Moreover, scavenger studies showed that ∙OH radicals were major species responsible for the photocatalytic degradation process. The study highlighted the potential of metal-based hydrogel nanocomposites as efficient and sustainable photocatalysts for environmental remediation, offering a promising solution for the treatment of dye-contaminated wastewater. Future research will focus on optimizing the performance of the nanocomposite and exploring its practical applications in large-scale water treatment processes.

Curcumin@ graphene oxide/chitosan/arginine hydrogel: A novel approach to treat Candida periprosthetic joint infections.

Curcumin@ graphene oxide/chitosan/arginine hydrogel: A novel approach to treat Candida periprosthetic joint infections.