SYNTHESIS OF METAL NANOPARTICLES USING HYDROGEL NETWORKS

Hydrogels containing silver nanoparticles have a variety of biomedical applications because of the excellent compatibility of hydrogels with biological molecules, tissues, cells, and exceptional antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles. Here we report the design and development of various hydrogel networks that can be employed as matrices to grow and form metal nanoparticles. This behavior is achieved because of their enormous hydrophilic groups and free space between gel networks that extend not only stabilization but also participate in reduction process. This chapter provides an in-depth review of various hydrogel systems that can be employed for nanoparticles synthesis.

Keywords: Hydrogel, microgel, silver nanoparticles, antibacterial applications