Hydrogel nanocomposites: a review of applications as remote controlled biomaterials

In the past few years, there has been increased interest in the development and applications of hydrogel nanocomposites, specifically as a new class of biomaterials. In some cases, the nanoparticles (e.g., gold, magnetic, carbon nanotubes) can absorb specific stimuli (e.g., alternating magnetic fields, near-IR light) and generate heat. This unique ability to remotely heat the nanocomposites allows for their remote controlled (RC) applications, including the ability to remotely drive the polymer through a transition event (e.g., swelling transition, glass transition). This review highlights some of the recent studies in the development of the RC hydrogel nanocomposites. In particular, some of the important applications of RC nanocomposites as RC drug delivery devices, as RC actuators, and in cancer treatment are discussed.