Hydrogels: Design, Synthesis and Application in Drug Delivery and Regenerative Medicine

Hydrogels are three-dimensional polymeric materials that absorb and retain large amounts of water, used in clinical practice and experimental medicine for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. This book discusses their concepts and applications.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Hydrogels are intricate polymeric materials composed of interconnected chains, forming a three-dimensional network capable of absorbing and retaining substantial amounts of water. These remarkable substances find widespread application in clinical practice and experimental medicine, serving diverse purposes such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, diagnostics, cellular immobilization, biomolecule or cell separation, and the regulation of biological adhesions. In this comprehensive book, we delve into the fundamental principles and emerging applications of hydrogels, presenting key case studies and conducting a critical analysis of the existing research in the field.

Hydrogels are highly versatile materials due to their unique properties. They possess a high water content, which allows them to swell and expand, making them suitable for applications where swelling or deformation is desired. Additionally, hydrogels can be tailored to have specific properties, such as pH sensitivity, biocompatibility, and drug release characteristics, making them ideal for various medical applications.

One of the key applications of hydrogels is in drug delivery. Hydrogels can be formulated to encapsulate drugs and release them in a controlled manner, mimicking the natural release mechanisms of the body. This allows for improved drug targeting, reduced side effects, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Hydrogels can be used as carriers for both small and large molecules, including proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids.

In tissue engineering, hydrogels play a crucial role in creating artificial tissues and organs. They can be designed to mimic the properties of natural tissue, such as the stiffness and elasticity, which are important for tissue regeneration and replacement. Hydrogels can also be used as scaffolds to support the growth of cells and tissues, promoting wound healing and tissue repair.

Another important application of hydrogels is in regenerative medicine. Hydrogels can be used to deliver cells and growth factors to injured tissues, promoting tissue repair and regeneration. They can also be used to create artificial skin, wound dressings, and other medical devices that mimic the function of natural tissues.

In diagnostics, hydrogels can be used as biosensors and drug delivery platforms. They can be modified to detect specific molecules or cells and release drugs in response to the presence of these targets. Hydrogels can also be used to create microfluidic devices, which are used for point-of-care testing and medical diagnostics.

Cellular immobilization is another application of hydrogels. Hydrogels can be used to immobilize cells, allowing for the study of their behavior and interactions with their environment. This is particularly useful in drug discovery, where cells can be used to screen for potential drug candidates and test their efficacy.

Biomolecule or cell separation is another application of hydrogels. Hydrogels can be used to separate cells or biomolecules based on their size, shape, or other properties. This is useful in various fields, such as biochemistry, genetics, and environmental science, where the separation of cells or biomolecules is necessary for analysis and purification.

Barrier materials to regulate biological adhesions are also an important application of hydrogels. Hydrogels can be used to create coatings or films that prevent the adhesion of cells or tissues to surfaces. This is particularly useful in medical devices, such as implants, where the prevention of adhesion is essential for the success of the device.

In conclusion, hydrogels are highly versatile materials with numerous applications in clinical practice and experimental medicine. They possess unique properties such as high water content, swelling and deformation, and tailored properties, making them ideal for drug delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, diagnostics, cellular immobilization, biomolecule or cell separation, and barrier materials to regulate biological adhesions. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the underlying concepts and emerging applications of hydrogels, presenting key case studies and critical analysis of the existing research in the field. As our understanding of hydrogels continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and groundbreaking applications in the years to come.

Weight: 649g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367781446