240
G. Keerthiga et al.
The functionalization of NPs-Polymer by covalent and non-covalent interactions
is a crucial step to achieve HNC. The former involves unstable chemical bonds that
can cause the loss of NP properties, while the latter is limited due to its weak interactions. Thus calling for alternative surface modifications that involve non-destructive
approaches with more bond stability [113].
7 Conclusions
Despite several decades of research and development towards ideal hydrogel formation, aided by advances in material science, fabrication techniques, polymer chemistry, understanding of molecular and cell biology, and tissue engineering, till now,
unmet challenges and need for sufficient clinical trials remain. The term ‘ideal
hydrogel’ is expected to have an on-demand drug release with a predictable rate
throughout its clearance from the system. The current research involves proof-ofconcept studies for tissue repair and regeneration, which include multiple signaling
molecules release and response. Advancement in hydrogel formulation is expected
to withstand chemical and enzymatic reactions.
Theoretical modeling of the drug release profile remains challenging as drug
release mechanisms can be combinatorial or vary in different hydrogel systems.
Drug release systems with an integrated understanding of drug release and transport
through a local tissue will be facilitating better hydrogel formulation.
Advancement of bioelectronics and biosensors research has widened prospects
towards next-generation controlled drug delivery systems. Tailorable physical and
chemical properties of hydrogel have extended its applications towards remotecontrolled drug delivery purposes. Finally, the progress in the formulation, addressing
the challenges, and clinical translation setbacks can make hydrogel an inevitable
component for drug delivery systems.
Acknowledgements The authors greatly appreciate the financial support from the DBT/Wellcome
Trust India Alliance Fellowship under grant number IA/E/16/1/503062. We also acknowledge all
authors and publishers, who provided copyright permissions.
References
1. Abd Alla SG, Sen M, El-Naggar AWM (2012) Swelling and mechanical properties of superabsorbent hydrogels based on Tara gum/acrylic acid synthesized by gamma radiation. Carbohydr
Polym. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2012.03.031
2. Aguilar M, Elvira C, Gallardo A, Vázquez B, Román J (2007) Smart polymers and their
applications as biomaterials. Top Tissue Eng https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857097026.1.45
3. Akhtar MF, Hanif M, Ranjha NM (2016) Methods of synthesis of hydrogels … a review.
Saudi Pharm J
G. Keerthiga et al.
The functionalization of NPs-Polymer by covalent and non-covalent interactions
is a crucial step to achieve HNC. The former involves unstable chemical bonds that
can cause the loss of NP properties, while the latter is limited due to its weak interactions. Thus calling for alternative surface modifications that involve non-destructive
approaches with more bond stability [113].
7 Conclusions
Despite several decades of research and development towards ideal hydrogel formation, aided by advances in material science, fabrication techniques, polymer chemistry, understanding of molecular and cell biology, and tissue engineering, till now,
unmet challenges and need for sufficient clinical trials remain. The term ‘ideal
hydrogel’ is expected to have an on-demand drug release with a predictable rate
throughout its clearance from the system. The current research involves proof-ofconcept studies for tissue repair and regeneration, which include multiple signaling
molecules release and response. Advancement in hydrogel formulation is expected
to withstand chemical and enzymatic reactions.
Theoretical modeling of the drug release profile remains challenging as drug
release mechanisms can be combinatorial or vary in different hydrogel systems.
Drug release systems with an integrated understanding of drug release and transport
through a local tissue will be facilitating better hydrogel formulation.
Advancement of bioelectronics and biosensors research has widened prospects
towards next-generation controlled drug delivery systems. Tailorable physical and
chemical properties of hydrogel have extended its applications towards remotecontrolled drug delivery purposes. Finally, the progress in the formulation, addressing
the challenges, and clinical translation setbacks can make hydrogel an inevitable
component for drug delivery systems.
Acknowledgements The authors greatly appreciate the financial support from the DBT/Wellcome
Trust India Alliance Fellowship under grant number IA/E/16/1/503062. We also acknowledge all
authors and publishers, who provided copyright permissions.
References
1. Abd Alla SG, Sen M, El-Naggar AWM (2012) Swelling and mechanical properties of superabsorbent hydrogels based on Tara gum/acrylic acid synthesized by gamma radiation. Carbohydr
Polym. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2012.03.031
2. Aguilar M, Elvira C, Gallardo A, Vázquez B, Román J (2007) Smart polymers and their
applications as biomaterials. Top Tissue Eng https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857097026.1.45
3. Akhtar MF, Hanif M, Ranjha NM (2016) Methods of synthesis of hydrogels … a review.
Saudi Pharm J