HYDROGELS: A SMART STIMULI –RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS: STRUCTURE, MECHANISM, AND BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Hydrogels are made up of crosslinked polymer chains that form a three-dimensional (3D) network, allowing them to absorb and retain substantial amounts of fluid. Their soft texture, high water content, and porous architecture make them closely mimic the characteristics of natural biological tissues. In recent years, they have found wide-ranging applications across various sectors, including agriculture, biomaterials, the food industry, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. This review begins with an overview of the fundamental aspects of hydrogels, including their structure, classification, and synthesis methods. It then explores recent developments in their use for 3D cell cultures, drug delivery systems, wound dressings, and tissue engineering.