Cellulose-based hydrogel materials: chemistry, properties and their prospective applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Hydrogels based on cellulose, chitin, and chitosan are hydrophilic biopolymers with high water absorption capacity.
• These natural polymers exhibit responsiveness to various stimuli like pH, temperature, and biological conditions.
• Growing environmental concerns drive research towards naturally derived, biocompatible, and biodegradable hydrogels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of recent research on cellulose-based hydrogels.
• To discuss the physiochemical properties of these hydrogels.
• To highlight their diverse applications across multidisciplinary fields.

Main Methods:

• Review of contemporary scientific literature on cellulose-based hydrogels.
• Analysis of physiochemical properties, including water absorption and stimuli-responsiveness.
• Categorization of applications in biomedical, agricultural, and industrial sectors.

Main Results:

• Cellulose-based hydrogels possess excellent water retention and tunable properties.
• They demonstrate significant potential in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing.
• Applications extend to smart materials, textiles, agriculture, and healthcare products.

Conclusions:

• Cellulose-based hydrogels are versatile, eco-friendly materials with broad applicability.
• Their biocompatibility and biodegradability position them as key materials for sustainable technologies.
• Continued research is expected to unlock further potential in advanced applications.