Preparation, Properties and Application of Hydrogels: A Review

Abstract

Hydrogels are primarily synthesized to retain large amounts of aqueous solution. Depending upon modes of synthesis, the hydrogel materials develop various types of network structure. Recently, popular techniques have been developed for synthesis of hydrogels in the presence of crosslinking agents or multifunctional co-monomer which acts as a crosslinker. It can be categorized according to synthesis techniques, bio-degradability, response to environment and their intended applications. These applications may vary from water retention, conditioner to different aspects of biomedical applications and tissue engineering. Hydrogels contain a number of functional groups which may be utilized as such or modified and used to suit our requirements. In this review article, we have focused on the available synthesis techniques of hydrogels along with their inevitable properties and applications.