Functional Nanocomposite Hydrogels: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biomedical Applications reviews how the unique properties of nanoscale composite materials make them ideal candidates for use in biomedical hydrogels. The book covers a range of key nanocomposite materials for use in biomedical hydrogels, including graphene quantum dot, cellulose and collagen nanocomposites. A wide selection of biomedical applications for functional nanocomposite hydrogels is explored, from drug delivery and cancer therapy, to wound healing and bioimaging. This is a key reference for those working in the fields of biomaterials, nanotechnology, pharmacology, biomedical engineering, and anyone with a particular interest in composites and hydrogels.

To improve the properties of conventional hydrogels, nanoparticles or nanostructures are incorporated into the hydrogel networks, forming a composite hydrogel with specialized functional properties which are tailored to a specific biomedical application.

• Reviews the benefits and challenges of nanocomposites as novel materials in biomedical hydrogels, providing the reader with a wider range of choice and improved options for hydrogel development
• Describes the synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite hydrogels, offering end-to-end analysis of the process
• Details the range of applications in biomedicine for nanocomposite hydrogels, including biosensing, antimicrobics and drug delivery

1 Fundamentals of hydrogels and nanocomposite hydrogels: structural characteristics, properties, and their characterization2 Cellulose-based nanocomposite hydrogels for wound management3 Lignin nanoparticle-based nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications4 Hydroxyapatite-based hydrogel nanocomposites for bone tissue engineering applications5 Nanoscale bioactive glass/injectable hydrogel composites for biomedical applications6 Graphene oxide-based nanocomposite hydrogels for biosensor applications7 Graphene quantum dot-based nanocomposite hydrogels as anticancer drug delivery systems8 Periodic mesoporous organosilica-based nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications9 POSS-based stimuli-responsive nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications10 Silver nanoparticle-based nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications11 Collagen-inspired mineral nanocomposite hydrogels for bone tissue regeneration12 Protein-based nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications13 Starch-based nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications14 Chitosan-based nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications15 Alginate-based nanocomposite hydrogels for antimicrobial and antibiofilm applications16 Dual-cross-linked nanocomposite hydrogels for potential antibacterial applications17 Conductive adhesive self-healing nanocomposite hydrogels for photothermal therapy in wound healing18 3D printable nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications19 Thermoresponsive nanocomposite hydrogels: tunable systems for localized cancer theranostics20 Nanogels for locoregional drug delivery21 Environmentally sensitive nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications22 Bisphosphonate-based nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications