Natural Hydrogel-based Drug Delivery System: A Global Scenario, Current Development, and Future Prospective

Pharmaceutical giants (e.g., Ashland, Bausch & Lomb, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Neurelis, etc.) promote the growth of hydrogels globally. Hydrogel-based drug delivery system (DDS) market size accounted for USD 6415 million in 2021 and is estimated to reach USD 12,357 million by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2022 to 2030. Hydrogels, characterized by their unique three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers, have emerged as a keystone in the advancement of biomaterial science. Existing trends in the advancement of hydrogel drug delivery systems (DDS) involve the release of drugs in response to specific triggers such as pH, temperature, or enzymes for targeted drug delivery and to reduce the potential for systemic toxicity. They excel in their ability to achieve high drug loading capacities, their ease of manufacturing, and their inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability. These attributes not only promise crucial mechanistic features but also offer robust protection for labile drugs and enable the encapsulation of multiple therapeutic agents. Thus, hydrogels stand as promising candidates in various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, ensuring controlled release and compatibility essential for therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, hydrogels have massive applications in tissue engineering, wound healing, cosmetics, and biomaterials (e.g., contact lenses and implantable devices). Furthermore, hydrogels possess the capability to release active drug(s) under sustained conditions as recommended. Their exceptional qualities position hydrogels as a preferred choice on a global scale. Moreover, they enhance bioavailability, optimize dosage regimens, promote patient compliance, and minimize adverse effects. Furthermore, hydrogels are recommended for use in clinical trials to enhance therapeutic drug delivery outcomes. Despite their remarkable properties, hydrogels do have certain disadvantages, including expensive manufacturing costs and incompatibility with certain drugs. The author has highlighted the fundamental ideas about hydrogels, their classification, global scenario, current developments in the field, and their potential applications. Overall, hydrogel application is progressing rapidly, toward more proficient and effective DDS in the future.