The theme of my blog will be: Hydrogels and their applications. Hydrogels are three-dimensional materials made from cross-linked polymer chains. They are created by combining hydrophilic polymers with a crosslinker to develop a mesh-like structure. This structure enables them to absorb water; in some cases hydrogels can be over 90% water by volume. These materials have been extensively studied because of their customizability and their resemblance to biologically-relevant naturally-synthesized materials. Hydrogels can be used in cell scaffolding for tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, wound healing, contact lenses, and a variety of other applications. This blog will highlight novel hydrogel solutions that address crucial clinical needs, and it will discuss the biomaterial concepts that underly their creation.
Some photos of hydrogels in action are below. Enjoy!
