Hydrogel nanocomposites as remote-controlled biomaterials

Nanocomposite hydrogels are a new class of intelligent materials which have recently attracted interest as biomaterials. In this study, magnetic nanocomposites of temperature-sensitive hydrogels have been developed and demonstrated to be responsive to alternating magnetic fields. Nanocomposites were synthesized by incorporation of superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ particles in negative temperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels. The systems were characterized for temperature-responsive swelling, remote heating on application of an alternating magnetic field and remote-controlled drug delivery applications. The rise in temperature in external alternating magnetic field depends on the Fe₃O₄ particle loading of the system. Preliminary studies on remote-controlled drug release showed reduced release in the presence of an alternating magnetic field.