Editorial
, Volume: 23( 4)Hydrogels and Their Expanding Role in Biomedical and Functional Applications
Elena V. Markovic * Department of Polymer and Biomaterials Engineering, University of Belgrade, Serbia, *Corresponding author: Elena V. Markovic, Department of Polymer and Biomaterials Engineering, University of Belgrade, Serbia, E-mail: emarkovic.hydrogel@matresearch.rs Received: March 04, 2025; Accepted: March 18, 2025; Published: March 27, 2025
Abstract
Abstract Hydrogels are three-dimensional polymer networks capable of absorbing and retaining large amounts of water while maintaining structural integrity. Due to their high water content and tunable mechanical properties, hydrogels are widely used in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications. This article discusses the structure, synthesis methods, properties, and applications of hydrogels in modern materials science. Keywords: Hydrogels, Polymer networks, Crosslinking, Swelling behavior, Biocompatibility, Drug delivery, Tissue engineering Introduction Hydrogels are soft materials composed of crosslinked polymer chains that form a network capable of absorbing significant quantities of water. Despite containing up to 90% water in some cases, hydrogels do not dissolve because chemical or physical crosslinks hold the polymer chains together. Their structure resembles that of natural biological tissues, which makes them especially attractive for biomedical applications.The behavior of hydrogels is largely governed by crosslinking density and polymer composition. Chemical crosslinking forms covalent bonds between polymer chains, creating stable and permanent networks. Physical crosslinking, in contrast, relies on weaker interactions such as hydrogen bonding or ionic interactions. The degree of crosslinking determines mechanical strength, swelling capacity, and diffusion properties [1].swelling is one of the most distinctive properties of hydrogels. When placed in water or biological fluids, hydrogels absorb liquid and expand due to osmotic forces. The extent of swelling depends on polymer chemistry, crosslink density, and environmental conditions such as pH Citation: Elena V. Markovic. Hydrogels and Their Expanding Role in Biomedical and Functional Applications. Macromol Ind J. 23(4):173. 1 © 2025 Trade Science Inc. www.tsijournals.com | March -2025 and temperature. This swelling behavior is particularly useful in controlled drug delivery systems, where gradual release of therapeutic agents is required [2].Hydrogels are widely used in tissue engineering because their high water content and soft mechanical properties resemble those of natural extracellular matrices. They can serve as scaffolds that support cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. By incorporating bioactive molecules or growth factors, hydrogels can enhance tissue regeneration and healing processes [3].Responsive or “smart” hydrogels have gained significant attention in recent years. These materials change their volume or properties in response to external stimuli such as temperature, pH, or electric fields. For example, temperature-sensitive hydrogels can undergo reversible phase transitions, making them suitable for injectable biomedical applications [4].Beyond biomedical uses, hydrogels are applied in agriculture for water retention, in hygiene products, and in environmental remediation for absorbing pollutants. Advances in nanocomposite hydrogels and biodegradable formulations are expanding their performance and sustainability [5]. Conclusion Hydrogels represent a versatile and adaptable class of materials with applications spanning medicine, environmental science, and industry. By controlling polymer structure and crosslinking, scientists can tailor mechanical strength, swelling behavior, and responsiveness to meet specific needs. Hydrogels demonstrate that materials do not need to be rigid to be useful—sometimes the most valuable structures are soft, water-filled networks that quietly mimic the flexibility and resilience of living systems. REFERENCES 1. Panwar AS, Singh A, Sehgal S. Material characterization techniques in engineering applications: A review. Materials Today: Proceedings. 2020 Jan 1;28:1932-7. 2. Panwar AS, Singh A, Sehgal S. Material characterization techniques in engineering applications: A review. Materials Today: Proceedings. 2020 Jan 1;28:1932-7. 3. Patel R, Chaudhary ML, Martins AF, Gupta RK. Mastering material insights: advanced characterization techniques. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. 2025 Apr 25;64(18):8987-9023. 4. Sharma SK, Verma DS, Khan LU, Kumar S, Khan SB, editors. Handbook of materials characterization. New York, NY, USA Springer International Publishing; 2018. 5. Kassem H, Vigneras V, Lunet G. Characterization techniques for materials’ properties measurement. InMicrowave and Millimeter Wave Technologies From Photonic Bandgap Devices to Antenna and Applications 2010 Mar 1. Intech Open.
