Hydrogel is a term used to describe a crosslinked network of hydrophilic polymer chains that have the ability to absorb and retain large quantities of water or other polar solvents without dissolving or losing their structural integrity. It is a gel-like substance that consists of a three-dimensional network of polymers with high water content.
The word "hydrogel" is derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water, and "gel" meaning a jelly-like substance. Hydrogels are often synthesized by chemically crosslinking hydrophilic polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol or polyacrylamide, through different methods like radiation, temperature, pH, or enzymatic processes.
Hydrogels exhibit unique properties that make them versatile materials in various fields. Due to their high water content, they possess high biocompatibility and are widely utilized in biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, wound dressings, and contact lenses.
Their ability to absorb and retain large amounts of water gives hydrogels a wide range of physical properties, including high elasticity, softness, and flexibility. These properties, in combination with their adhesiveness and biodegradability, enable their use in agriculture, horticulture, and as superabsorbent materials for diapers, sanitary products, or even soil conditioning.
Overall, hydrogels are substances that have the capacity to absorb and retain water or polar solvents while maintaining their gel-like structure. Their unique properties make them valuable materials in various industries, contributing to advancements in medicine, agriculture, and many other fields.
