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Recent advances in composite hydrogels prepared solely from polysaccharides
Nandita Srivastava1, Richa2, Anirban Roy Choudhury2
1Biochemical Engineering Research & Process Development Centre (BERPDC), Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39A, Chandigarh, 160036, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
Polysaccharide-based composite hydrogels (PCHs) offer enhanced stability and tunable properties, overcoming limitations of single-component hydrogels for broader applications. This review details PCH fabrication, characterization, and future research directions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Growing demand for sustainable, biodegradable, and biocompatible materials.
- Single polysaccharide hydrogels face limitations in mechanical strength, stability, and property modulation.
- Polysaccharide-based composite hydrogels (PCHs) emerge as a promising solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the preparation techniques for PCHs.
- To discuss characterization methods for understanding PCH structure and behavior.
- To explore applications and future research avenues for PCHs.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PCHs via physical and/or chemical interlinking techniques.
- Association of macromolecular chain linkages to form composite structures.
- Detailed review of established and emerging preparation methodologies.
Main Results:
- PCHs exhibit significantly improved stability and efficiency compared to single polysaccharide hydrogels.
- Composite formation enhances mechanical properties and allows for property modulation.
- PCHs present a viable alternative to conventional materials.
Conclusions:
- PCHs offer a versatile platform for developing advanced materials.
- Further research into PCHs can unlock their full potential in clinical and industrial applications.
- This review provides a comprehensive overview of PCH technology.
