Nanoscale Hydrogel System

Abstract

Nanoscale hydrogel systems consist of cross-linked polymeric networks that have superb water-retention properties, are biocompatible, and can be loaded with drugs. Nanogels have the capacity to encapsulate small molecules, proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids, thereby protecting them from degradation and allowing for their slow or targeted release. Nanogels are showing enhanced therapeutic efficacy and decreased systemic toxicity in oncology, dermatology, vaccinology, and tissue engineering. Additionally, they can be used to improve the permeability and retention (EPR) effect, which facilitates preferential accumulation in disease sites, particularly in tumors and inflamed tissues. Although these benefits exist, challenges remain in large-scale synthesis, reproducibility, long-term stability, and regulatory approval. This review presents the basic concepts of nanogel design, classification, drug loading, and drug release processes, as well as their biomedical applications and limitations, and their potential as next-generation drug delivery systems.