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Applications of Hydrogels in Emergency Therapy
Mariana Chelu1, Monica Popa1, José María Calderón Moreno1
1"Ilie Murgulescu" Institute of Physical Chemistry, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 25, 2025
Summary
Hydrogels are advanced materials revolutionizing emergency care. Their unique properties offer significant potential for improved hemostasis, wound healing, and overall survival rates in critical situations.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Growing demand for effective emergency hemostasis and wound healing materials.
- Hydrogels possess unique properties like retention, swelling, and biocompatibility, making them crucial for emergency therapy.
- Acute medical scenarios require rapid and effective interventions, driving material innovation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review recent hydrogel applications in emergency medical scenarios.
- To discuss the physicochemical properties of hydrogels relevant to rapid response.
- To explore advancements in smart hydrogels for emergency care and evaluate their clinical integration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in hydrogel technology for medical applications.
- Analysis of hydrogel physicochemical properties (mechanical strength, adhesiveness, responsiveness).
- Evaluation of clinical trials and practical deployments of hydrogels in emergency settings.
Main Results:
- Hydrogels show significant promise in hemostasis, wound management, drug delivery, and tissue engineering for acute care.
- Tunable properties like mechanical strength and stimuli-responsiveness enhance hydrogel utility in emergencies.
- Smart hydrogels with self-healing and antimicrobial capabilities are emerging as revolutionary tools.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogels are essential materials for advancing emergency medical treatments.
- Smart hydrogels offer transformative potential for improving survival rates in civilian and military applications.
- Further research and development are needed to overcome challenges in integrating hydrogels into emergency protocols.
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