A hydrogel is a network of polymer chains that are hydrophilic, meaning they have a strong affinity for water. These polymer chains can absorb and retain large amounts of water within their structure while maintaining their three-dimensional network. Hydrogels can be synthesized from natural or synthetic polymers, or a combination of both.
Hydrogels have a wide range of applications due to their unique properties. Some common uses include: Biomedical and Environmental applications, Contact lenses, Agriculture and Personal Care products.