[Science Definition]
Hydrogels are networks of hydrophilic polymer chains, called colloidal gels, in which water is the dispersion medium. Three-dimensional software is due to the hydrophilic polymer chains held together by cross-linking. Due to the cross-linking, the structural integrity of the hydrogel network will not be dissolved by high concentrations of water (doi:10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00389). Hydrogels are also highly absorbent (they can contain more than 90% water) natural or synthetic polymer networks. The term “hydrogel” first appeared in the literature in 1894 (doi:10.1007/BF01830147). Initially, research on hydrogels focused on this relatively simple chemically cross-linked polymer network to study its basic characteristics, such as swelling/swelling kinetics and equilibrium, solute diffusion, volume phase transition and sliding friction, and Research such applications. Such as ophthalmology and drug delivery. With the continuous development of hydrogel research, its focus has shifted from simple networks to “response” networks. At this stage, various hydrogels that can respond to changes in environmental conditions such as pH, temperature, and electric and magnetic fields have been developed. A hydrogel actuator that responds to electric and magnetic fields is proposed. However, the hydrogels at that time were usually too soft or too brittle mechanically, which greatly limited their potential applications. With the advent of the new millennium, hydrogels have also entered a new era, with breakthrough improvements in their mechanical properties. This success has led to many interdisciplinary studies of hydrogels. Nowadays, a variety of chemical methods with energy-consuming structures can be used to make hydrogels that are stronger than muscle and cartilage. In addition, it also achieves other functions, such as self-healing, multiple stimulus responses, adhesion, super wettability, etc. The innovative development of strong hydrogel has greatly expanded the potential applications of this material in various fields, including soft robots, artificial organs, regenerative medicine, etc. (doi:/10.1021/acs.macromol.0c00238).
【The main purpose】
1. Scaffold in tissue engineering (doi:10.1002/advs.201801664).
2. When used as a scaffold, the hydrogel may contain human cells to repair tissues. They mimic the 3D microenvironment of cells (doi:10.1039/C4RA12215).
3. Use hydrogel-coated wells for cell culture (doi:10.1126/science.1116995).
4. Environmentally sensitive hydrogels (also called “smart gels” or “smart gels”). These hydrogels have the ability to sense changes in pH, temperature or metabolite concentration and release such changes (doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.09.011).
5. Injectable hydrogel, which can be used as a drug carrier for the treatment of diseases or a cell carrier for regeneration purposes or tissue engineering (doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00769).
6. Sustained release drug delivery system. Ionic strength, pH and temperature can be used as triggers to control drug release (doi:10.1016/j.cocis.2010.05.016).
7. Provide absorption of necrotic and fibrotic tissues, degreasing and debridement
8. Hydrogels that react to specific molecules (such as glucose or antigens) can be used as biosensors or DDS (doi: 10.1021/cr500116a).
9. Disposable diapers can absorb urine or put in sanitary napkins (doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2014.11.024).
10. Contact lenses (silicone hydrogel, polyacrylamide, silicon-containing hydrogel).
11. EEG and ECG medical electrodes using hydrogels composed of cross-linked polymers (polyethylene oxide, polyAMPS and polyvinylpyrrolidone).
12. Hydrogel explosives.
13. Rectal administration and diagnosis.
14. Packaging of quantum dots.
15. Breast implants (breast enhancement).
16. Glue.
17. Particles used to maintain soil moisture in arid areas.
18. Dressings to heal burns or other hard-to-heal wounds. Wound gel is very helpful in creating or maintaining a moist environment.
19. Drug storage for external use; especially ionic drugs delivered by iontophoresis.
20. A material that simulates animal mucosal tissues, used to test the mucosal adhesion properties of drug delivery systems (doi:10.1039/C5CC02428E).
21. Thermal power generation. When combined with ions, it can dissipate heat from electronic devices and batteries, and convert heat exchange into electric charge.
【Our current progress】
At present, our hydrogel applications are mainly used in cosmetology and medical treatment, and maintain the leading position in the hydrogel industry at home and abroad in terms of technology, and QA\QC remain stable.
Post time: Aug-11-2021