Hybrid hydrogel fabrication via twin-screw extrusion for superior water retention and purity

This study introduces a novel hybrid hydrogel synthesized through a continuous extrusion process utilizing a single or twin-screw extruder. The hydrogel is engineered with a crosslinked network integrating a naturally derived polymer, a monomer, and a cross-linking agent, ensuring enhanced structural integrity. It exhibits remarkable absorption under load, exceeding 30 g/g, and a water retention capacity ranging from 340 to 550 g/g, depending on purification levels. Furthermore, the purified hydrogel maintains an ultra-low bacterial presence (< 10 CFU/g) and minimal residual monomer content (< 200 ppm or 0.02%), underscoring its suitability for high-performance applications. These superior properties position the hydrogel as a promising candidate for diverse industrial and biomedical applications.