ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a comprehensive state of the art highlighting the various techniques used to prepare biodegradable polymer-based nanocomposites, their physicochemical characterization, their biodegradability, processing, and future prospect. A useful tool to direct cell growth is the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites including carbon nanostructures because they can conduct an electrical stimulus in the tissue healing process. Metal nanoparticle-based nanocomposites are used in various biomedical applications. The degradation rate of the nanocomposites is enhanced by the presence of the metal nanoparticles which changes thermal conductivity, surface wettability and roughness of the nanocomposites. Silver nanoparticles have been incorporated or obtained into biopolymer films such as chitosan and starch, the efficiency of antimicrobial function of the polymeric nanocomposites being greatly influenced by various factors such as particle size, size distribution, degree of particle agglomeration, and interaction of silver surface with the base polymer.
