Author:
Varghese Ruby,Bharat Dalvi Yogesh,Lochana P.,Achinthya S.,Omprakash Somani Bhagyashri,Karnaver Preetha,George Thomas Nebu,Rupesh S.,Varghese Nibu,V.P. Jayachandran
Abstract
Translational research is utilizing the hydrophilic characteristic of polymer structures, which possess the physical or chemical cross-linking capability. This attribute has been applied in pharmaceutical research to develop hydrogels, which are increasingly being utilized for cell and drug delivery, soft and hard tissue regeneration, wound healing, regenerative medicine, contrast imaging, radiation shielding, and enhancing the biocompatibility of clinical implants. This chapter concentrates on the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of hydrogels, such as surface properties, contact angle, tensile strength, and swelling behavior, and how these properties affect the biodegradability, stimuli sensitivity, and biomedical uses of hydrogels. Ultimately, this review provides readers with an overview of the advancements and challenges in each segment, albeit not all pertinent issues can be explored in detail due to the intricacy of biological responses to the hydrogel.