Heparin-based nanocomposite hydrogels

It has long been thought that hydrogels, which are materials that are composed of three-dimensional polymer networks and vast volumes of water, are fascinating, but mechanically fragile substances that are only suitable for a limited number of applications. The majority of the conventional constraints of hydrogels have been addressed as a consequence of recent developments made possible by the production of nanocomposite hydrogels. These developments have led to crucial recent advances. This chapter focuses on nanocomposites made using heparin. Such nanocomposites have, for a very long time, been the subject of extensive research, with results that have been deemed adequate. These nanocomposites are helpful for a wide range of purposes including imaging, the treatment of sickness and cancer, and tissue engineering. Given that mast cells in the human body produce heparin, these nanocomposites have excellent biocompatible qualities, which is a distinguishing quality. In particular, we focus on the synthesis and fabrication of heparin-based nanocomposite hydrogels, investigate their application, and then conclude by discussing potential future directions for more advanced nanocomposite hydrogels for use in biomedical and biotechnological applications.