Progress in the Preparation and Application of Inulin-Based Hydrogels

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Engineering

Background:

• Inulin, a natural polysaccharide, is a biocompatible and biodegradable precursor for hydrogel synthesis.
• Inulin hydrogels exhibit structural versatility, enabling diverse applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of inulin-based hydrogel preparation, characterization, and applications.
• To highlight recent advancements and future prospects in the field.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of various synthesis strategies: physical (thermal/non-thermal induction), chemical (free-radical polymerization, chemical crosslinking), and enzymatic approaches.
• Characterization of inulin-based hydrogels, focusing on properties like stimuli-responsiveness and antibacterial activity.

Main Results:

• Inulin hydrogels demonstrate potential as fat replacers and are particularly promising for colon-targeted drug delivery due to selective degradation.
• These hydrogels can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, enhancing therapeutic delivery options.
• Applications extend to responsive materials, the food industry, wound dressings, and tissue engineering.

Conclusions:

• Inulin-based hydrogels are a significant class of biomaterials with broad potential in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and materials science.
• Further research is needed to optimize synthesis, enhance mechanical properties, and explore novel functionalities.