Hydrogels: experimental characterization and mathematical modelling of their mechanical and diffusive behaviour

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Hydrogels are versatile materials with applications in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical fields.
• Their biocompatibility, mechanical, and transport properties are crucial for these applications.
• Mathematical models are needed to describe hydrogel behavior under mechanical stimuli and active substance release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the main properties of hydrogels and investigate structure-property relationships.
• To propose a selection criterion for hydrogel characterization based on characteristic times.
• To summarize experimental methods and the state-of-the-art in mathematical modeling of hydrogel properties.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of hydrogel properties, structure-property relationships, and mathematical models.
• Comparison of characteristic times (relaxation, diffusion, process) for hydrogel selection.
• Summary of experimental techniques for hydrogel characterization.
• Analysis of mathematical models for viscoelastic and poroelastic behaviors.

Main Results:

• Hydrogel properties and structure-property relationships are summarized.
• A novel selection criterion based on characteristic times is proposed.
• The state-of-the-art in mathematical modeling for mechanical and transport properties is presented.
• Case histories illustrating viscoelastic, poroelastic, and poroviscoelastic behaviors are discussed.

Conclusions:

• Understanding hydrogel properties and their mathematical descriptions is essential for optimizing their use.
• The proposed selection criterion aids in choosing appropriate hydrogels for specific applications.
• Further development in mathematical modeling will enhance the predictive capabilities for hydrogel performance.