A Review on Hydrogels and Ferrogels for Biomedical Applications

Hydrogels and ferrogels are greatly emerged biomimetic cross-linked polymeric networks with three-dimensional structures having applications in the fields of joint replacements, catalysts, wound healing, biosensing, contact lenses, and drug delivery. Here, preparations, types, and applications of hydrogels/ferrogels have been assembled. The different types of classes of hydrogels based on the interaction mechanism between the metallic nanoparticles and polymeric network are covered in the review. Recent progress of mechanical, tribological, and magnetic aspects of hydrogels/ferrogels are critically investigated. The clinical perspectives of hydrogels/ferrogels are confirmed by cell migration and proliferation studies. Additionally, this report demonstrates that the addition of different nanoparticles (carbon nanotubes or silicon) within hydrogels/ferrogels can alter the properties of the ferrogels due to the synergistic effect and strong mechanical bonding. Therefore, polymeric candidate hydrogels/ferrogels are precisely illuminated in this review, and can be a potential highlight for future research related to biomedical engineering.