Hydrogels based on chondroitin sulfate nanocomposites

Hydrogels (HGs), which are made up of polymeric networks containing huge quantity of water, are known to be intriguing but mechanically fragile delivery vehicle with limited applications. Because of their hydrophilic and porous network structure, HGs closely resemble the tissue environment. They are frequently studied in drug delivery and biotechnological disciplines, but their applications are limited owing to their poor mechanical qualities and restricted functionalities. The developing strategy focuses on the implementation of nanocomposite (NC) HGs to address these issues. The rationally designed chondroitin sulfate (CS) has been developed using nanotechnology, and their versatile properties of biocompatibility, nontoxicity, and active and passive targeting have made them the efficient carriers for drugs and other bioactives. CS-based NC HGs are made via in situ free radical polymerization with a high yield and can be made in a variety of shapes and forms. Their unique properties include high toughness, good optical characteristics, and stimulus sensitivity owing to their unique organic/inorganic network structure. The fundamentals and recent advancements in CS-based NC HGs are discussed in this book chapter. We have mainly focused on outlining the methods of preparation and applications of these NC HGs in the drug delivery and other biomedical fields.