Hydrogel is a water-absorbent material made up of a network of polymer chains. It can hold large amounts of water while maintaining its structure, making it useful in various applications, including medical devices, agriculture, and cosmetics. Hydrogels can be natural or synthetic, and their properties can be tailored for specific uses.
In medicine, hydrogels are often used for wound dressings, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering. They provide a moist environment that promotes healing and can be designed to release medications over time. Their versatility and biocompatibility make them an important material in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.