Recent advances in hydrogels based on natural polymers: from synthesis to application and future prospects in the fields of biomedicine, microextraction and the environment analysis
Subject Areas :Bita Abedi 1 , Milad Ghani 2 * , Marziyeh Kavian 3
1 - Department of Chemistry
2 -
3 -
Keywords: Hydrogel, natural polymer, synthesis, biomedicine and environment,
Abstract :
Hydrogel is a network of hydrophilic polymer chains, sometimes found as a colloidal gel in which water is the dispersion phase. A hydrogel is a three-dimensional structure of hydrophilic polymer chains held together by crosslinks. Due to the presence of intrinsic crosslinks, the structural integrity of the hydrogel network does not degrade in water, and depending on the structure, type, and degree of crosslinking, the stability of the hydrogel in physiological environments is maintained. Hydrogels have attracted extensive attention in the fields of microextraction, analytical chemistry, biomedicine, and industry due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and remarkable versatility. Among the various types of hydrogels, examples based on natural polymers have gained a special place due to their intrinsic biocompatibility and environmental stability. This article reviews the leading innovations in the synthesis and application of hydrogels based on natural polymers. Natural polymers such as starch, chitosan, alginate, lignin, and carrageenan are reviewed for their unique structural features, gelation mechanisms, and the significant impact of crosslinking agents on their performance. The diverse applications of these hydrogels in areas such as tissue engineering, controlled drug release, wound healing, and environmental remediation are critically evaluated. By combining recent findings and emerging trends, this article attempts to paint a bright future vision and inspire further research and innovation to fully exploit the potential of these sustainable biomaterials.
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