Magneto-Responsive Hydrogels: Preparation, Characterization, Biotechnological and Environmental Applications

Hydrogels are hydrophilic three-dimensional networks able to hold large amount of water and hydrophilic molecules. Magneto-responsive hydrogels comprise of magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in polymeric networks that can be manipulated under external magnetic field. This review aims at (i) giving a brief overview on the evolution of hydrogels until the design and development of magnetic hydrogels; (ii) describing the types of hydrogels and the basic concepts about superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, as well as the preparation and characterization of magneto-responsive hydrogels; (iii) displaying the relevant applications of magneto-responsive hydrogels for drug delivery, regenerative medicine of tissues, cancer therapy and environmental issues and (iv) highlighting the challenges and future trends of magneto-responsive hydrogels for 3D and 4D printing.