Design and Function of Nanogel Network Materials: Applications in Drug Delivery Systems and Artificial Extracellular Matrices

Abstract

Physically crosslinked nanogels, formed through the self-assembly of hydrophobically modified polysaccharides, exhibit macromolecular host functions such as protein incorporation in water. They have been explored for medical applications as innovative modalities, including vaccine carriers. This paper discusses the construction and functions of nanogel crosslinked macrogels, which are hybrid gels forming networks with nanogels. These macrogels result from reactions involving the reactive groups introduced into polysaccharide nanogels with water-soluble monomers or multibranched polyethylene glycol macromonomers. We design gel biomaterials with diverse structures and properties, utilizing nanogels as building blocks through a bottom-up approach (nanogel technonics). Furthermore, we investigate their functions as drug delivery systems (DDS) and as artificial extracellular matrices for regenerative medicine.