Polymeric Nanogels and Nanoparticles in Medical Applications

Abstract

Nanogels and polymeric nanoparticles have been intensively studied for diverse applications due to their unique and tuneable properties. Nanogels are hydrogelsdthree-dimensional network of polymer chains with water filling the spaces between themdin nanometer size, which allows them to penetrate biological barriers and be of high interest for several medical applications. Polymeric nanoparticles are differentiated from nanogels by the swelling property. While nanogels have high capacity of water absorption that may lead to size changes, polymeric nanoparticles are mostly a solid mass. Both, nanogels and nanoparticles may be obtained from synthetic and natural polymers though different synthesis processes. The radiation-induced intramolecular crosslinking was proposed as a great alternative, eliminating the need of toxic crosslinking agents and providing a final sterile material. In this review, we intended to present a focused discussion on the radiation-induced synthesis technologies, the most frequent used polymers to obtain nanogels and nanoparticles, and their biomedical applications showcasing their potential to revolutionize healthcare.