Hydrogel Based Nanocomposition System: Characterization and Application for Drug Delivery System

The targeted drug delivery is one of the key areas of research in the field of pharmaceutical science for delivery of drug molecules to specific organ and tissue. The main aim of targeted drug delivery system is to improve bioavailability of drug molecules to delivery site and minimized the toxicity and side effects of by controlling the release properties of drug. Hydrogel is widely used for controlled drug delivery, but traditional hydrogel has some drawback. In order to overcome the drawbacks of traditional hydrogels, hydrogels nanocomposition system (HYGs-NC) were developed. HYGs-NCis composed of different types of nanoparticles or nanostructures in the hydrogel network, due to their porous and hydrated molecular structurethey entrap large amount of therapeutic agent. The aim of HYGs-NC is to enhance the mechanical, electrical, and biological properties of hydrogel compared to traditional hydrogel. Nanocomposition hydrogel are used for wound dressings, biosensors, actuators, contact lenses, tissue replacement, and cancer drug delivery.In this chapter we discuss about the recent advancement in naocomposition hydrogel, different type of nanocomposit hydrogels, method of synthesis, characterization and their biological or pharmaceutical application as novel drug delivery system. Each type of nanocomposit hydrogels has specific properties to improve interaction between the hydrogel polymer and nanoparticles to enhance the desirable properties for targeted drug delivery applications.