Chapter 15:Nanogels for Biomedical Applications: Challenges and Prospects

Hydrogels have travelled a long journey since their first use as biomaterials for human purposes. A recent addition to this progress is formulation of nanogels. While most nanogel-based research is directed toward targeted drug delivery, researchers are trying to shape up nanogels to mimic native tissue microenvironments and to include multiple functionalities on a single platform by incorporating a wide range of nanoparticles. Nanogels possess superior physical, chemical, electrical, and biological properties and have wider biomedical applications. Currently, most nanogel systems are limited for their use in pre-clinical laboratory testing. They must be improved further for their utilization beyond their in vitro testing and towards next generation precision/personalized medicine. A continuous effort with involvement of several in vitro/in vivo trial and errors is required for transformation of nanogels from bench side to clinical applications.