Hydrogels and nanogels as a promising carrier for drug delivery

Abstract

Among the drug delivery systems, hydrogels and nanogels have shown a vital role because of their advantageous 3D crosslinked networks. They have the propensity to absorb water due to their hydrophilic groups, making them excellent superabsorbents that are water-insoluble. Nanogels are crosslinked nano-sized hydrogels (20–200 nm) with greater tissue permeation due to their smaller size. Hydrogels and nanogels demonstrate many advantages, including biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, controlled drug release, and smart drug delivery. They are regarded as an interesting approach for the controlled release of medications since they can encapsulate drug molecules in their water-swollen network. Recent advances in polymer chemistry and nanotechnology have resulted in several significant improvements in the field of hydrogels and nanogels as drug delivery systems. In this chapter, the properties of hydrogels and nanogels, as well as their classification, drug release mechanisms, and applications for drug delivery, will be discussed.