Novel Polymer Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Designing and Cost-effective Biomedical Applications

The design of materials for various biomedical applications is truly challenging since it demands exceptional characteristics such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-cytotoxicity, adequate strength, etc. Several strategies have been developed for the synthesis of nanoparticles based on chemical methods. However, the toxicity limits their applications in biological systems. So researchers are looking for materials that can fulfill green criteria in the sense that they should be renewable, harmless to human health, and environment friendly. Recently, the evolution of nanomedicine led to explore the possibilities of different types of nanomaterials in various applications. Nanoscale polymeric materials and polymer nanocomposites have already proved their versatility in various biomedical applications. This chapter presents a brief overview of the potential of biobased nanomaterials and nanofillers such as metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, hydroxyapatite, nanotubes, graphene, chitin whiskers, lignin, nano cellulose, etc. and their pros and cons when used in the biomedical field. Bio-based polymers are promising candidates for the next generation nanocomposite materials due to their multi-functionality, renewability, low toxicity and excellent biocompatibility. The chapter begins with the state of the art including the recent developments in the biomedical field and finally, the challenges and future potential of various nanoparticles and polymer nanocomposites are also discussed.

Keywords: Biomedical applications, Biopolymers, Chitosan, Nano cellulose, Nanoparticles, Polymer nanocomposites.