Design of Multifunctional Nanogels with Intelligent Behavior

Abstract

The design of polymeric nanogels with novel properties (dimensional structure, mechanics, high water content and biocompatibility) continues to attract the attention of both scientific researchers and biomedical industries seeking new materials for application in areas such as tissue engineering, cell immobilization, separation of biomolecules or cells, biomedical implants, for use as diagnostic agents and in theranostics. The impressive progress in material and pharmaceutical sciences has given rise to the design of a broad range of nanogels of diverse size, architecture and surface properties. The nanoscopic scale of these nanocarriers permits systemic (intravenous) or local (mucosal) administration and facilitates their diffusion within the cell. Moreover, surface functionalization methodologies can impart to the nanocarriers the ability to control pharmacokinetic and bio-distribution.Interest in intelligent nanogels has grown in recent years owing to their capacity to regulate behavior in response to external physical, chemical and biological stimuli.The different methods of nanogel synthesis and the adequate structure/property ratio for intelligent behavior and novel applications will be described and discussed in this chapter, presenting the most significant progress achieved in recent years in the field of nanocarriers in biomedical applications.