Polymeric Hydrogels and Nanogels: Classification, Development and Pharmaceutical Applications

Abstract

This book chapter give an overview of natural and synthetic polymeric moieties consumed for developing hydrogels and their types. Different properties of nanogels are the advancement of hydrogels characterized by nano-size range, stimuli-responsive swelling, and release. Stimuli responsiveness is imparted by the presence of a suitable monomer. A number of polymerization approaches are presented in the literature that are employed to prepare such networks. These systems are elastic, rubbery, nontoxic, and biocompatible and offer prolonged release of the drugs without chances of dose dumping. These types of networks have potential pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, and biotechnological applications in terms of controlled, prolonged, and targeted drug delivery, solubility enhancements, stimuli-dependent intelligent drug delivery, such as contact lenses, wound healing, etc. In the current chapter, we have tried to introduce hydrogels and microgels, their different types, the variety of polymers used to develop such carrier systems, approaches to develop such drug delivery systems, and their utilization in various sectors in addition to the pharmaceutical sector.

Engineering the optical, and dielectric properties of (PVA: PVP)/BaSnO3 polymer nanocomposites as promising films for optoelectronics and energy storage applications

“…Its outstanding solubility and biocompatibility are perhaps its two most important characteristics. PVP is also utilized in food, medicine, and cosmetics 18,20 …”

“…PVP is also utilized in food, medicine, and cosmetics. 18,20 Accordingly, the combination of two polymers (PVA/PVP), in one blend perceived special interest in recent years because it yields polymeric membranes with synergetic properties. 21,22 Also, it has been recognized that the final blend member has a grand compatibility that comes from the interaction of the hydrogen bond 23,24 making it a very adequate host for different fillers.…”

Crosslinked PVA-g-poly(AMPS) Nanogels for Enhanced Solubility and Dissolution of Ticagrelor: Synthesis, Characterization, and Toxicity Evaluation

“…Among the above cited techniques, nanogels have emerged as the most promising delivery vehicles due to nanosizing, hydrophilicity, high swellability, high drug entrapment efficiency, stability, biocompatibility, and economical manufacturing. 4 Nanogels are nanoscale versions of hydrogels, can accommodate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, and can be synthesized from natural or synthetic monomers and polymers or their combinations. 5 Various hydrophilic polymers and monomers such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), chitosan, gelatin, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), β-cyclodextrin, poloxamer, sodium alginate, chondroitin sulfate, carbopol, hydroxy-propyl methylcellulose (HPMC), acrylamido methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylic acid, lactic acid (LA), and methacrylic acid (MAA) are commonly used for preparing nanogels.…”