An Introductory Chapter

Significant advancements in biomimetic crosslinked polymeric networks, hydrogels, and ferrogels (HG-FGs), which possess three-dimensional structures, have established them as emerging theranostic candidates. The goal of combining crystalline magnetite and hydrogels into a single material is to create ferrogels, a type of smart composite material. The ferrogels contain unique features that are not showed by the individual components. Ferrogels that respond to magnetism provide the essential approach for biological applications. HG-FGs have attracted significant interest for their applicability in  controlled drug release, nanotheranostics, and wound dressing applications. The current book chapter discusses HG-FG’s key capabilities and fundamental concepts while focusing on the encapsulation of magnetic nanoparticles inside the network of polymer to modify mechanical strength, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, bioactivity, and adsorption kinetic phenomena. This can lead to a variety of applications, including controlled drug release, wound healing, diagnostics, and therapeutics (such as magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic biosensing). To provide readers with a clear understanding of the latest developments, characteristics, history and uses of HG-FGs, this study provides a comprehensive representation of the wide range of projections over HG-FGs.