Significance of Hydrogel
Hydrogel is a gel-like substance formed by three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymer chains that can absorb significant amounts of water. It is primarily utilized in drug delivery systems due to its compatibility and ability to enhance bioavailability. Hydrogels are effective for controlled drug release, improving drug contact time, especially in ocular applications, and protecting sensitive drugs from degradation. They are also used for targeted delivery of proteins and peptides, making them valuable in various biomedical applications.
Synonyms: Gel, Hydrophilic gel
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The concept of Hydrogel in scientific sources
Hydrogel is described as a water-absorbing polymer network that mimics natural tissues, contrasting with organogels. It serves as a template for nanoparticle synthesis, demonstrating its significance in various applications.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) OTC-I hydrogel, which is soft in nature and shows very low tensile strength, demonstrated the formation of thin stress fibres, as the text describes.[1]