Gelatin-Based Smart Nanocomposites: a Mini-Review on Fundamental Properties, Biomedical Applications and 4D Printing

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Polymer and Materials Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Petroleum Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Gelatin, as a natural biopolymer with properties such as biocompatibility, degradability, chemical modification, and high similarity to biological tissues, has been widely considered in the development of new biomaterials in recent years. Combining gelatin with various nanomaterials not only improves its mechanical properties and stability, but also enables the design of smart nanocomposites that are able to respond to physical, chemical, and biological stimuli. These properties have paved the way for extensive applications in biomedical fields, including tissue engineering, targeted drug delivery, and the design of scaffolds with high adaptability to physiological conditions of the body. On the other hand, the high potential of gelatin provides a valuable opportunity for the production of smart biostructures that can change shape or perform specific functions over time and under environmental conditions. In this mini-review, the fundamental properties of gelatin are first reviewed, followed by an examination of its role in stimuli-responsive nanocomposites, 4D printing, and novel biomedical applications.

Keywords

Pioneering Advances in Materials
Volume 1, Issue 4
October 2026
Pages 1-17

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