Hydrogel
Hydrogel
Hydrogel (pronunciation: /ˈhʌɪdrəʊdʒɛl/) is a network of polymer chains that are hydrophilic, sometimes found as a colloidal gel in which water is the dispersion medium. Hydrogels are highly absorbent (they can contain over 90% water) natural or synthetic polymers.
Etymology
The term 'hydrogel' is derived from the Greek words 'hydro' meaning water and 'gel' meaning something that has a jelly-like consistency.
Properties
Hydrogels have a degree of flexibility very similar to natural tissue, due to their significant water content. As responsive "smart materials," hydrogels can encapsulate chemical systems which upon stimulation by external factors such as a change of pH may cause changes in the materials' properties. Hydrogels also possess a degree of flexibility very similar to natural tissue, due to their significant water content.
Applications
Hydrogels have a wide range of applications in a variety of fields. Applications include contact lenses, wound dressings, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering. They are also used in disposable diapers where they absorb urine, or in agriculture to hold water and nutrients in the soil.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hydrogel
- Wikipedia's article - Hydrogel
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