Nanogels in Biomedical Engineering: Revolutionizing Drug Delivery, Tissue Engineering, and Bioimaging

Abstract

Nanogels represent a significant innovation in the fields of nanotechnology and biomedical engineering, combining the properties of hydrogels and nanoparticles to create versatile platforms for drug delivery, tissue engineering, bioimaging, and other biomedical applications. These nanoscale hydrogels, typically ranging from 10 to 1000 nm, possess unique characteristics such as high water content, biocompatibility, and the ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules. The review explores the synthesis, structural configurations, and stimuli‐responsive nature of nanogels, highlighting their adaptability for targeted drug delivery, including across challenging barriers like the blood–brain barrier. Furthermore, the paper delves into the biomedical applications of nanogels, particularly in drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and bioimaging, demonstrating their potential to revolutionize these fields. Despite the promising preclinical results, challenges remain in translating these technologies into clinical practice, including issues related to stability, scalability, and regulatory approval. The review concludes by discussing future perspectives, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize the properties and applications of nanogels, ultimately aiming to enhance their efficacy and safety in clinical settings.