Hybrid Organic Polymer/Inorganic Nano-materials for Biomedical Applications: Where we are and where to go?

Abstract:

Hybrid functional materials, composed of inorganic and organic components, are considered versatile platforms whose applications in electronics, optics, mechanics, energy storage, informatics, catalysis, sensors, and medicine field have represented a breakthrough for human well-being. Among hybrid materials, micro/nanostructured hybrid colloidal systems have been widely investigated due to the dramatic enhancement of activity provided by the large surface area exposed at the interfaces with respect to the bulk counterpart. Recently, a growing interest has been in the exploration of novel environmental-friendly and versatile procedures that allow the formulation of hybrid nanostructures through safety procedures and mild experimental conditions. This review aims to provide an introduction to hybrid organic-inorganic materials for biomedical applications in particular nanostructured ones, describing the commonly exploited materials for their fabrication and techniques, advantages, and drawbacks.