hüdrogeelides

Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymer chains that can absorb and retain large amounts of water or biological fluids. The term "hydrogel" literally means "water gel." They are formed through the cross-linking of polymer chains, which creates a network structure that prevents the individual polymer chains from dissolving. This cross-linking can be achieved through various methods, including chemical reactions, physical entanglements, or irradiation.

The remarkable water-absorbing capacity of hydrogels is due to the presence of hydrophilic functional groups within their polymer chains, such as hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), or amide (-CONH2) groups. These groups interact favorably with water molecules through hydrogen bonding, leading to the swelling of the hydrogel. The degree of swelling and the physical properties of a hydrogel can be controlled by factors such as the polymer concentration, the cross-linking density, the type of polymer used, and the environmental conditions (e.g., pH, temperature, ionic strength).

Hydrogels find diverse applications across various fields. In biomedical engineering, they are used for drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, contact lenses, wound dressings, and biosensors due to their biocompatibility and ability to mimic biological tissues. In agriculture, they can improve soil water retention. They are also utilized in absorbent products like diapers and in the food industry as gelling agents. The versatility of hydrogels stems from their tunable properties, allowing them to be engineered for specific functions and environments.