Synthesis and biomedical applications of aerogels: Possibilities and challenges

Aerogels are an exceptional group of nanoporous materials with outstanding physicochemical properties. Due to their unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, aerogels are recognized as promising candidates for diverse applications including, thermal insulation, catalysis, environmental cleaning up, chemical sensors, acoustic transducers, energy storage devices, metal casting molds and water repellant coatings. Here, we have provided a comprehensive overview on the synthesis, processing and drying methods of the mostly investigated types of aerogels used in the biological and biomedical contexts, including silica aerogels, silica-polymer composites, polymeric and biopolymer aerogels. In addition, the very recent challenges on these aerogels with regard to their applicability in biomedical field as well as for personalized medicine applications are considered and explained in detail. [Display omitted] •An overview on the synthesis of aerogels from various precursors is provided.•Silica, hybrid, and (bio)polymer aerogels are considered as promising biomaterials.•Recent various biomedical applications of aerogels are introduced and elaborated.•Drug delivery and tissue engineering are among the highly studied aerogel applications.•Aerogel properties can be easily tailored for a particular biomedical application.