ABSTRACT
Nanogels are swollen nanosized networks composed of hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymer chains that have attracted considerable attention as multifunctional polymer-based drug delivery systems. They possess high water content, biocompatibility, and desirable mechanical properties. A tunable size, a large surface area, and an interior network make nanogels a promising platform that has the characteristics of an ideal drug delivery vehicle. Present and future nanogel applications require a high degree of control over properties that are possible by preparation strategies. This entry describes the recent developments of nanogel particles as drug delivery carriers for biological and biomedical applications. Various synthetic strategies for the preparation of nanogels with restriction of chemical approaches are detailed, including the formation of nanogels using preformed polymers and via direct polymerization of monomers using heterogeneous free radical polymerization and heterogeneous controlled/living radical polymerization.
