Fluorescent-Nanoparticle-Impregnated Nanocomposite Polymeric Gels for Biosensing and Drug Delivery Applications

Abstract

Nanocomposite polymeric gels infused with fluorescent nanoparticles have surfaced as a propitious category of substances for biomedical purposes owing to their exceptional characteristics. The aforementioned materials possess a blend of desirable characteristics, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, drug encapsulation, controlled release capabilities, and optical properties that are conducive to imaging and tracking. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the synthesis and characterization of fluorescent-nanoparticle-impregnated nanocomposite polymeric gels, as well as their biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, imaging, and tissue engineering. In this discourse, we deliberate upon the merits and obstacles linked to these substances, encompassing biocompatibility, drug encapsulation, optical characteristics, and scalability. The present study aims to provide an overall evaluation of the potential of fluorescent-nanoparticle-impregnated nanocomposite polymeric gels for biomedical applications. Additionally, emerging trends and future directions for research in this area are highlighted.

Keywords: biomedical applications; biosensing; fluorescent nanoparticles; gels; imaging.

Figure 1

Several distinct methods were utilized in the production of hybrid hydrogels based on QDs.

Figure 2

Schematic diagram of: (A) synthesis of SA@Hb@CQDs, (B) establishment of the postoperative tumor model and the corresponding status of the wound, and (C) the innovative CDT-mediated implant nanoplatform for the postoperative treatment of tumors. Reproduced with permission from [81] © 2020 American Chemical Society.

Figure 3

(A) Chemical structure of DC5700, (B) preparation of DC5700-QDs via ion exchange, and (C) sol–gel phase transition of DC5700-QDs solutions treated with F^– (fluoride sodium) under an ultraviolet lamp (excitation wavelength = 365 nm). Reproduced with permission from [83] © 2012 American Chemical Society.

Figure 4

(A,B) SEM images of peptides P1 and P2 were obtained at the minimum gelation condition of 6 mg/mL. (C,D) The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images depict the peptide P3 hydrogels. (E,F) Electron microscopy (EM) images were obtained for peptides P4 and P5 under the minimum gelation condition, specifically at a concentration of 6 mg/mL. Reproduced with permission from [104] © 2017 American Chemical Society.

Figure 5

(A) Photo-cross-linking from PEG-NC macromer and QD physical immobilization in polymer matrix (epifluorescence pictures of PEG-NC hydrogels (B–D)). UV-excited. Image: 895 μ 713 μm. Reproduced with permission from [108] © 2003 American Chemical Society.

Figure 6

(A) FT-IR spectra of CDs, CDs@SiO₂, and SiO₂. (B) HRTEM of CDs@SiO₂. (C) XPS survey of CDs@SiO₂. (D) Aqueous CDs@SiO₂ photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra at different excitation wavelengths. (E) Aqueous CDs@SiO₂ excitation wavelength-dependent afterglow emission spectra. (F) Solid-state CDs@SiO₂ afterglow emission spectra at different temperatures under 356 nm excitation. Reproduced with permission from [111] © 2019 American Chemical Society.

Figure 7

(A) Fabrication of difunctional fluorescent hydrogel fiber. (B) Optical setup for simultaneous continuous pH and glucose monitoring. Reproduced with permission from [129] © 2022 MDPI.

Figure 8

(a) Illustration of a strategy for paraoxon detection. (b) The paraoxon hydrogel kit is schematically depicted. (c) The kit’s true color graphics are separated into red, green, and blue components. (d) The ImageJ program is used to digitize the normalized intensity. Reproduced with permission from [150] © 2022 American Chemical Society.