Novel Nanogel Formulation, Evaluation, and Applications: A Review

Abstract

Nanogels — nanoscale, highly hydrated polymeric networks — combine the advantages of hydrogels (high water content, biocompatibility) and nanoparticles (tunable size, surface functionality) to form versatile carriers for drugs, biomacromolecules, genes and vaccines. Recent years have seen rapid innovation in materials, cross-linking chemistries, stimuli-responsive designs, and application-specific formulations (e.g., ocular, topical, wound, CNS, cancer). This review summarizes contemporary formulation approaches, critical physicochemical and biological evaluation methods, representative biomedical applications, and practical translational challenges (stability, scalability, regulatory hurdles). Emphasis is placed on “novel” aspects: green and bio-inspired chemistries, multifunctional stimuli-responsive nanogels, combination/theranostic systems, and strategies improving in vivo stability and targeting. Key gaps and future directions for clinical translation are highlighted.