HYDROGELS IN PHARMACEUTICAL DRUG DELIVERY: MECHANISM, CHALLENGES AND CLINICALAPPLICATIONS

Hydrogels have emerged as promising materials in pharmaceutical drug delivery due to their unique ability to retain water, biocompatibility, and tunable physical properties. These polymeric networks offer numerous advantages, such as controlled and sustained drug release, enhanced bioavailability, and protection of sensitive therapeutics. However, challenges including limited mechanical strength, potential toxicity of crosslinking agents, and difficulties in large-scale production pose limitations to their widespread use. This review explores the key mechanisms underlying hydrogel-based drug delivery, including diffusion-controlled, swelling-controlled, and stimuli-responsive release systems. Various types of hydrogels, from natural to synthetic polymers, are discussed in the context of their applications in different therapeutic areas, including cancer treatment, and gene therapy. By assessing both the benefits and drawbacks, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of hydrogels in modern pharmaceutical applications, offering insights into future research directions and technological innovations in this field.