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Hybrid Nanohydrogels: Design and Applications

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Nano Hydrogels

Part of the book series: Gels Horizons: From Science to Smart Materials ((GHFSSM))

Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials Technology and Chemistry, Alfa Laval Tumba AB, SE-14782, Tumba, Sweden

    Luis Valencia

  2. Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Frescativägen 8, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden

    Andrea Aguilar-Sánchez

  3. Research Center for Applied Chemistry, Enrique Reyna 140, 25294, Saltillo, Mexico

    Javier Enríquez & Ramón Díaz

Authors
  1. Luis Valencia
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  2. Andrea Aguilar-Sánchez
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  3. Javier Enríquez
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  4. Ramón Díaz
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Correspondence to Luis Valencia .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India

    Jiya Jose

  2. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India

    Sabu Thomas

  3. School of Aerospace, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK

    Vijay Kumar Thakur

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Valencia, L., Aguilar-Sánchez, A., Enríquez, J., Díaz, R. (2021). Hybrid Nanohydrogels: Design and Applications. In: Jose, J., Thomas, S., Thakur, V.K. (eds) Nano Hydrogels. Gels Horizons: From Science to Smart Materials. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7138-1_7

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