Recent Advances in the Biomedical Applications of Hydrogels

The Hydrogels are the 3-D systems of cross-linked polymeric chains accomplished by absorbing water. The existence of polar functional groups such as SO3H, OH, NH2, COOH, CONH2, etc. enhances their benefits. These are versatile carriers for drug delivery and nanotechnology for offering great motorized power, biocompatibility, biodegradability, swelling behavior, and stimuli sensitivity. The wide variety of materials utilized in the fabrication of HGs is categorized into Polysaccharides, natural polymers, Polyamides, Polyphenols, Organic polyesters, and Polyanhydrides. Several conventional drug deliveries showed higher adverse effects and higher doses for eliciting the therapeutic response with frequent administration. These limitations are overcome by loading the drug in the matrix of hydrogel which provides the sustained controlled or targeted delivery. The significant role played by the HGs in Wound healing, tissue engineering, Cancer and Psoriasis treatment. They are also utilized in the cosmetic industry, contact lenses, and diabetic foot ulcer therapy.