Revolutionizing biomedicine: advancements, applications, and prospects of nanocomposite macromolecular carbohydrate-based hydrogel biomaterials: a review

Abstract

Nanocomposite hydrogel biomaterials represent an exciting Frontier in biomedicine, offering solutions to longstanding challenges. These hydrogels are derived from various biopolymers, including fibrin, silk fibroin, collagen, keratin, gelatin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, carrageenan, and cellulose. While these biopolymers possess inherent biocompatibility and renewability, they often suffer from poor mechanical properties and rapid degradation. Researchers have integrated biopolymers such as cellulose, starch, and chitosan into hydrogel matrices to overcome these limitations, resulting in nanocomposite hydrogels. These innovative materials exhibit enhanced mechanical strength, improved biocompatibility, and the ability to finely tune drug release profiles. The marriage of nanotechnology and hydrogel chemistry empowers precise control over these materials' physical and chemical properties, making them ideal for tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, and biosensing applications. Recent advancements in the design, fabrication, and characterization of biopolymer-based nanocomposite hydrogels have showcased their potential to transform biomedicine. Researchers are employing strategic approaches for integrating biopolymer nanoparticles, exploring how nanoparticle properties impact hydrogel performance, and utilizing various characterization techniques to evaluate structure and functionality. Moreover, the diverse biomedical applications of these nanocomposite hydrogels hold promise for improving patient outcomes and addressing unmet clinical needs.

Fig. 1. Figure illustrates the fabrication process of injectable hydrogels for wound repair using oxidized alginate and carboxymethyl chitosan. (A) The formation of the fundamental injectable hydrogels through the Schiff-base reaction is depicted. (B) The functionalization of injectable composite hydrogel with Ag-covered EGCG nanoparticles (AE NPs) and keratin nanoparticles (Ker NPs) is presented, showcasing the application for wound repair to scavenge radicals and promote epithelization. Copyright with permission from Elsevier 2022 (ref. 55).

Fig. 2. Figure shows surface modification approaches for enhanced compatibility of metal nanocomposite hydrogel (a) brush and (b) mushroom structure of PEG chains on the surface of nanoparticles, (c) and (d) show the attachment of AuNPs to the monolith surface began with the amination of the monolith surface, (e) gold nanoparticles coated by two later of polyacrylic acid and polyacrylamide, (f) the UF nanoparticles before and after silanization process, (g) gold nanoparticles on the grafting amphiphilic block copolymers BCPs (PEO₄₅-b-PS₄₅₅-SH), (h) poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) microparticles have been engineered to encapsulate colloidal gold along with RGD peptide. Copyright with permission.

Fig. 3. Figure illustrates various approaches for preparing nanoparticle–hydrogel composites.

Fig. 4. Exploring the role of magnetic nanoparticle hydrogels in diagnostics.

Fig. 5. Advancing innovative diagnostic platforms for enhanced sensitivity and specificity of magnetic nanoparticle hydrogels.

Fig. 6. Figure proposed three routes of 3D tissue scaffolds based on meatal nanocomposite hydrogels.

Fig. 7. Figure shows the external environment's effect on the drug released from hydrogel.

Fig. 8. Figure illustrates the investigation into the reaction mechanism of the (DMAEM/PEO)/ZnS hydrogel loaded with neomycin, employing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis against the pathogenic bacterium S. aureus. (a) The SEM micrograph portrays the untreated control S. aureus cells. The bacterial groups exhibit a characteristic arrangement, adhering uniformly across the regular surface. This depiction provides a baseline reference for the bacterial cell morphology and surface interaction. (b) Presents the SEM analysis of S. aureus cells following treatment with the (DMAEM/PEO)/ZnS hydrogel loaded with neomycin. The treated bacterial cells exhibit striking and unusual morphological irregularities compared to the untreated control cells. The most prominent observation is the semi-lysis of the outer surface of specific bacterial cells, characterized by evident deformations and structural changes.

Fig. 9. Impact of PEC/PEO/AAm hydrogel, modified with CaO and TiO₂ (a), and PEC/PEO/AAm hydrogel, modified with ZnO and MgO (b), on S. aureus Growth curve and (c) synergistic antibacterial mechanism of nanoparticles.

Fig. 10. Figure displays scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of NF-gelatin/apatite scaffolds subjected to incubation in a solution 1.5 times the strength of simulated body fluid (1.5 × SBF) for different durations. The image labeled “(a)” corresponds to the scaffold's appearance after 1 day of incubation. Image “(b)” illustrates that a significant apatite deposition is visible on the nanofibers of the NF-gelatin scaffold. The apatite deposits' surface coverage and size have tightened well, suggesting a progressive and successful incorporation of bone-like apatite onto the scaffold's surface. This image showcases the scaffold's surface and structure, highlighting any changes or interactions during incubation. The SEM micrograph provides valuable visual information about the progression of apatite incorporation onto the NF-gelatin scaffold over time, offering insights into the scaffold's bioactivity and potential for bone tissue engineering applications.